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Assessing Second Language Speaking Proficiency

delete2023-01-17
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Nivja H. de Jong *
DOI:10.1146/annurev-linguistics-030521-052114delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
In today's global economy, most people all over the world need to speak a second language (L2) for study, work, or social purposes. Assessment of speaking, either in the classroom or as an external exam, is therefore an important task. However, because of its fleeting nature, the assessment of speaking proficiency is difficult. For valid assessment, a speaking test must measure speaking proficiency without construct-irrelevant variance, for instance, due to tasks, raters, and interlocutors. This article begins by bringing together insights from different disciplines to develop a multi-componential construct of speaking proficiency, which includes linguistic and strategic competencies. Because speaking usually takes place in conversation, the ability to take part in interaction, including rapid prediction, is described as part of the speaking construct. Next, the factors that need to be controlled when making a speaking assessment are discussed. Finally, challenges and ideas for future research are briefly described.
Keywords:
speaking proficiency
language assessment
interaction

Journal

Annual Review of Linguistics cover
Annual Review of Linguistics
IF:
4.3
Papers:
235
Citations:
979

Organization

L
leiden university - excl lumc
Scholars:
3.5W
Papers: 2.9W
Citations: 46