Toward the Acquisition of Linguistic Competence: From Contrived to Controlled Materials

Listening materials for advanced non-native speakers of English

“…The semantic code, unlike the phonological or syntactic code, cannot be fully learned within the classroom situation; however, a basic recognition of the code can be obtained. Belasco (1969) suggests that through interaction outside of the classroom, such as through media productions, like television and radio, or with native speakers, students will learn more of the semantic code.…”

“…This thesis project will attempt to help meet the aforementioned student's need to develop certain listening strategies, such as understanding the importance of pitch, by presenting authentic material from radio interviews that have not been pre-recorded or rehearsed. This will allow the student to listen to spontaneous native speech with irregularities in speed and pauses, elisions, and selfinterruptions which require intensive listening . Belasco (1969) suggests that exposure to real communicative interaction, such as radio, will aid students in their skill development.…”

Listening materials for advanced non-native speakers of English

“…This will allow the student to listen to spontaneous native speech with irregularities in speed and pauses, elisions, and selfinterruptions which require intensive listening. Belasco (1969) suggests that exposure to real communicative interaction, such as radio, will aid students in their skill development. By providing the student an opportunity to listen to authentic spoken discourse, which is culturalbound and often controversial, lessons should be more thought-provoking, challenging the student to extract factual information and draw implications concerning speakers' biases and attitudes.…”