Investigating Syntax Priming in an E-mail Tandem Language Learning Environment

This paper presents the results of an experiment on syntax priming in an e-mail tandem language learning environment. Twenty-two subjects participated in the completion of 6 tasks in pairs. Subject-pairs working together on tasks consisted of a native speaker of Spanish learning English and a native speaker of English learning Spanish. Bilingual asynchronous written communication between pair members took place through a system we had designed for research into learner-language in interaction. The results of this experiment inform the practice of e-mail tandem exchanges addressing the following questions: a) is there evidence of syntax priming in transcripts of e-mail tandem exchanges? If so, can we link syntax priming to second language learning? b) how do we integrate these results into the practice of tandem language learning and the design of systems that support this type of language learning over the Internet? ∗The authors both gratefully acknowledge financial support for this research from the Centre for Language and Communication Studies at Trinity College. Priming in Tandem Email 1