Learner Collaboration and Reciprocal Language Learning in Language-Exchange Conversations

This study examines language-exchange interactions between second/foreign language learners in an out-of-class setting with the purpose to find out whether and how language-exchange interactions provide a space for reciprocal language learning to its participants. Drawing on sociocultural theory of learning, this study uses video- and audio-recordings of language-exchange interactions to examine the dialogic interaction between a Korean-English language-exchange pair. The analysis focuses on the participants’ collaboration in co-constructing dialogues for reciprocal language learning. The findings show that opportunities for two-way language learning occur in language-exchange dialogues when the learners engage in a cross-linguistic comparison, in which they actively draw on their knowledge in both languages to support each other’s understanding of their respective target languages. It was found that as the learners shift their roles as expert and novice for mutual support, learning opportunities are created for both participants. Findings from this study suggest that the field of SLA should pay more attention to the potential benefits of language-exchange interactions to students learning a second or foreign language.