Acquisition of L2 Through Internet Chat

Abstract

This study reports on a longitudinal study that examines two L2 learners' interactions with a native speaker through Internet chat during one semester. The purpose of the study is to determine whether interactions through synchronous chatting are facilitative of L2 acquisition. The data of this study reveal that (1) interactions in synchronous chatting induced a series of negotiations of meaning although lexical and content negotiations predominated these interactions; (2) L2 learners were provided negative feedback during chat interactions although not many instances of negative feedback were provided; a great deal of negative feedback was offered on lexicon and morphosyntax; (3) there was a slight improvement of L2 morphosyntax by one participant over time. Taken together, the results of the study indicate that interaction in Internet chat can be facilitative of L2 acquisition.