DOI: 10.48804/97xf7f
title: Beyond Foreigner Talk: multimodal repertoires in L1-L2 interaction

description: This dataset was analyzed as part of my PhD project 'Beyond Foreigner Talk: multimodal repertoires in L1-L2 interaction'. It contains video recordings of dyadic interactions between L1 and L2 speakers of Dutch and French in both a picture description (PD) and a free conversation (FC) task. On the basis of the videos, body part tracking data and gesture annotations were created, which were analyzed using the R scripts and data tables found in this dataset. In addition the data also contains the stimuli and results from a behavioral experiment on gesture in L2 comprehension in Dutch. The context and objectives of these datasets are described in detail in my dissertation, which can also be found here.
description: This research project challenges the common belief that first language (L1) speakers simplify their language when communicating with second language (L2) users, which is captured in Charles Ferguson’s ‘Foreigner Talk’ hypothesis. The stereotype suggests that L1 speakers use more and larger gestures, along with simplified vocabulary, to accommodate L2 speakers. However, we aim to move beyond the idea of simplification, recognizing the dynamic nature of linguistic registers. In our view, the distinction between L1 and L2 competence reflects a difference in knowledge of particular repertoires, that is, individual and cultural solutions to deal with recurrent communicative tasks. In this respect, we sought to understand how L1 speakers adjust their use of linguistic and gestural resources when interacting with L2 partners.
We tested two common stereotypes about L1-L2 interaction through video-recorded picture descriptions and conversations. First, we found no evidence that L1 speakers gesture more or bigger when addressing L2 speakers. Instead, the amount of gesture was influenced by the task at hand and the social dynamics of the interaction, such as the degree of mutual attraction between participants. Nevertheless, we did observe differences in how gestures were used. L1 speakers employed more gestures that established spatial distinctions, helping to structure the description or the conversation. This practice made gestural movement stand out, rather than gesture size or frequency, and contributed to the interaction’s coherence. We also found evidence for this claim in a further experiment, where adding more gestures to a complex description improved comprehension for L1 listeners, but not for L2 listeners. Furthermore, making gestures more depictive or larger did not enhance their relevance for either group.
Second, our findings do not support the idea of lexical simplification in L1-L2 interaction. While previous research on ‘Foreigner Talk’ has suggested that L1 speakers repeat their own words more frequently when speaking to L2 users, we found that self-repetition according to the conversational partner’s behavior rather than whether they were using an L1 or L2. In fact, L1 speakers were less dependent on the lexical choices of their L2 partners as compared to L1 partners. We observed a lower amount of cross-speaker repetition which may be explained by an increased meta-awareness of the dialog itself, leading to reduced automaticity. In conclusion, our research indicates that the use of speech and gesture in L1-L2 interaction is primarily shaped by the sort of repertoires and interactional processes the particular task requires, and the language background of the addressee modulates the extent to which these routines are relied on.