An Analysis on the Use and Selection of Communication Strategies by Catalan/Castilian learners of English

Abstract

This study attempts to shed light on how specific factors may affect strategy use and choice. In particular, we have tried to ascertain the role of the adopted communication strategies typology in the interpretation of empirical findings, which in this case refer to the influence of proficiency and task-related factors in the use of communication strategies. The study involved Catalan/Castilian speakers learning English as a foreign language who were required to perform three different tasks in order to test their use of communication strategies, and also, how such use could be affected by the factors quoted above. These tasks consisted of a picture identification, a story retell and a discussion/conversation. Results from our study showed that both the proficiency level of the learners and the task they performed affected their use of communication strategies. Nevertheless, we found out that the interpretation concerning the role of the participants proficiency level and the type of task varies according to the taxonomy employed.