Second language comprehensibility as a dynamic construct

This study examined longitudinal changes in second language (L2) interlocutors’ mutual comprehensibility ratings (perceived ease of understanding speech), targeting as a dynamic, time-varying, interaction-centered construct. In repeated-measures, within-participants design, 20 pairs L2 English university students from different backgrounds engaged three collaborative and interactive tasks over 17 minutes, rating their partner’s at 2–3 minute intervals using 100-millimeter scales (seven per interlocutor). Mutual followed U-shaped function time, with (initially perceived to be high) being affected by task complexity but then reaching high levels the end interaction. The also became more similar each other early on remained aligned throughout These findings demonstrate dynamic nature between interlocutors suggest need for research account effects interaction, task, time measurements.