Towards authentic tasks and experiences: The example of parser-based CALL

Authenticity of language learning tasks, authenticity of learning experiences and the use of authentic language are important characteristics of communicative language teaching and learning. In this article, ways of achieving productive use of authentic language in a computer-assisted language learning environment are discussed. This discussion concentrates on a particular area of CALL—parser-based CALL. The use and adaptation of two existing parsers for two CALL tools that support text production by encouraging learners to concentrate on the linguistic structure—mainly the grammar—of a text they have just produced in a communicative task are outlined to provide concrete evidence for the contribution language processing techniques can make to the field of Computer-Assisted Language Learning.