Neclle: Network-based communicative language-learning environment focusingon communicative gaps

This paper focuses on the problem of language transfer in foreign language learning. The transfer often leads to a communicative gap, which is caused by the difference between a learner's mother language (ML) and the target l anguage (TL). This paper first analyzes the semantic relations between the ML and the TL. Then it proposes a CGM (Communicative Gap Model) because of the meaning difference between both languages. We have developed a computer assisted language-learning system called Neclle (Network-based Communicati ve Language-Learning Environment) in order to support foreign language lear ning through communication using a text based chat tool. Neclle has a softw are agent called Ankle (Agent for Kanji Learning), which observes the conve rsation between a learner and a native speaker, looks up a communicative ga p in the learner's utterance automatically according to CGM, the student mo del and the word dictionary of both languages, intervenes into the conversa tion, and gives an instruction for bridging the gap. Then, the learner can not only be aware of the gap but also acquire its cultural background from the native speaker. In our case study, Chinese students used Neclle for Jap anese language learning. Japanese language had incorporated with Chinese ka nji but the meaning of a kanji sometimes differed between two languages. Th erefore, the Chinese learners who want to study Japanese language have to p ay much attention to the meaning gap between Chinese and Japanese language. In the evaluation of Neclle, nine Chinese students talked with Japanese st udents about three topics with Neclle for 1 h 30 min. The results of the ex periment showed that it was very useful for Japanese language learning. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.