Communication breakdowns: An exploration of contextualization in native and non-native speakers of French

This study explores the issue of language use in native and non-native spea kers of French by taking an in-depth look at contextualization. By doing so , we introduce a novel approach for rethinking the issue of language use an d context with second language learners. A rich data base, involving videot aped interactions as well as retrospective interviews, allowed us to captur e the viewpoints of participants with respect to what they were producing a nd what they were perceived to be producing during their conversational enc ounters. This was achieved with a microanalysis of interaction starting fro m the observation of contextualization cues. The results show that contextu alization cues are instrumental in contributing to the construction both of context and of the message. The outcome of the research provides insight i nto how students learning a second language and their teacher interact and suggests that they need to develop a better awareness and understanding of contextualization cues. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.