Chapter 11. Performance on second language speaking tasks

Abstract

This chapter will discuss research into the effects of task characteristics and task conditions on second language performance. It explores a range of task characteristics, such as information structure and familiarity, as well as the operations upon such information. It will also consider the effects of task conditions such as pre-task planning and task repetition. The organisational ‘frame’ for this discussion will be Levelt’s distinction between the stages of Conceptualisation and Formulation. Task characteristics and task conditions will be related to these two stages in speaking, indicating how each stage might be positively or negatively affected. This leads into a discussion of how the task research findings which have been covered are relevant in a pedagogic context. In particular, there is a focus on how second language speakers can achieve a parallel rather than a serial mode of speech, through the use of supportive tasks and task conditions, and the avoidance of impediments which could impair their performance.