CALL courseware for learning reactive tokens in face-to-face dialogs

We developed courseware for teaching reactive tokens. Reactive tokens are audio or visual signals that structure discourse, and are sent by discourse participants who do not have the floor to those who do. Cultures with much in common sometimes differ markedly in their reactive tokens. Nonnative language learners need to learn how to interpret and convey reactive tokens in order to be perceived as attentive, intelligent and polite. We believe reactive tokens are best learned when examples can be readily observed, practiced and critiqued. Our courseware combines computeraided language learning (CALL) material for independent study, peer-based learning for production practice, and instructor-led learning for lectures and coaching. Experimental results show that some reactive tokens can be learned and retained.