Research interests
My main research interest is in the area of second language (L2) learning. In my work, I take an emergentist or usage-based perspective; this includes the application of complexity theory/dynamic systems theory and cognitive linguistics to the study of L2 learning.
My
principal research interests are
In my PhD thesis, which was completed in 2004, I focused on the role of metalinguistic knowledge, or explicit knowledge about language, in instructed L2 acquisition. My study took an emergentist perspective and had both a quantitative and a qualitative dimension. Three published papers have arisen out of my PhD thesis – see the 2006 and 2008 references on my publications page.
In 2006 and 2007, together with my colleague Adela Gánem, I conducted a study which investigated the interplay of L2 metalinguistic knowledge, language learning experience, language learning aptitude, and working memory for language in university-level L1 English-speaking learners of L2 German and L2 Spanish. The project was funded by the University of Essex Research Promotion Fund, and our findings are presented in two journal articles and a book chapter – see our co-authored papers as shown on my publications page for full references.
I am currently working on a longitudinal case study which investigates the development of metalinguistic awareness and oral L2 proficiency in an individual adult learner over a period of several years. Tutor-learner interactions focusing on the same open-ended oral task were recorded and transcribed using the CHILDES system. In this project, I employed a range of measures to examine the interplay of several variables, including language learning aptitude, learning style, reported use of learning strategies, and metacognition. The latter is assessed by means of a learner diary. The data set is analysed from a usage-based perspective which draws on insights from cognitive linguistics (see 2010 reference on my publications page) and complexity theory (still in preparation).
I also publish work together with some of my graduate students. The PhD projects I currently supervise are listed here.
In my research group, the Language Learning Discussion Group, we discuss topics in the field of L2 learning in the broadest sense, based on recently published work or presentations or talks by group members. We take an applied perspective and focus on any issues that are of interest to the group members.
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Karen Roehr, Department of Language & Linguistics, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
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