Learning to Act in the Social World : Building Interactional Competence through Everyday Language Use Experiences

Abstract

This chapter discusses how everyday interactions in second language speakers’ daily life provide occasions for language learning and how language use experiences can be utilized in developing L2 pedagogy. It shows how the conversation analytical approach to language learning has reshaped understanding of objects of learning and the learning process. Empirical studied in this field illustrate how language learning materializes in contingent interaction in specific activities and their ecologies. We present examples of research-based pedagogical initiatives for supporting out-of-classroom learning and conclude by discussing future directions in the field.