The JALT CALL Journal
Vol. 1, No. 2, August 2005, pp. 3-20
[Paginated PDF Version]

Distance Language Learning via Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (SCMC): Eight Factors Affecting NS-NNS Chat Interaction

Yoshiko Okuyama
University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii

Abstract:

In this paper, SCMC (synchronous computer-mediated communication) is used to refer to Internet-based, text-only communication, such as ‘chat,’ where all participants are online simultaneously for real-time, human-to-human interaction. A report on Intermediate-level Japanese SCMC by native-speaker (NS) and nonnative-speaker (NNS) participants is presented in three parts. First, advantages and disadvantages of using SCMC are outlined based on previous studies. Second, 2,848 turns of NS-NNS chat conversations are qualitatively analyzed and are summarized as main findings. Finally, based on the results of the study, several factors affecting both NS and NNS behaviors in SCMC are discussed, and suggestions for future applications are offered.