Alumni Events

August 2, 2021 at 12:15 pm

50th Anniversary Linguistics Colloquium | Jesus Toapanta on Second Language Listening from the Learners’ Perspective. Sept. 17

Dr. Jesus Toapanta, portrait

Dr. Jesus Toapanta

The Linguistics Colloquium series presents Dr. Jesus Toapanta discussing “Second Language Listening from the Learners’ Perspective” on Friday, Sept. 17, from  12:55 to 1:50 p.m. via Microsoft TEAMS.

Contact Dr. David Bell, linguistics chair, belld@ohio.edu, for questions.

Toapanta is an assistant lecturer in the Faculty of Arts in the Modern Languages and Cultural Studies Department at the University of Alberta, Canada. He is an Ohio University alumnus, earning an M.A. in Linguistics in 2008.

Abstract: Second language listening (L2 Listening) is a source of frustration and anxiety for many language learners. Most learners find it difficult to tackle L2 listening and do not know exactly how to improve their listening skills other than “listen harder” (Goh, 2008). This presentation will show the results of a study that looked at what learners believe to be the most difficult language skill in contrast to what instructors perceive to be the most difficult skill. The results of this study suggest that L2 listening is done in the language classroom, but it is not taught. Data for this study was collected from EFL learners (n=490), EFL instructors (n=9), Spanish learners (n=48), and Spanish instructors (n=3).

About Linguistics’ 50th Anniversary Celebration

“We are really looking forward to everyone joining us this year, either live in person or via Microsoft TEAMS to celebrate our anniversary,” said Bell, who also invited alumni and friends to add their names to the donor wall by making a gift, of whatever amount, to the Linguistics Department’s crowdfunding campaign.

He noted that all funds go to support our students’ registration and travel expenses to conferences where they will present their research.

“And please stay in touch! Send us a message on our Linguistics FB page at https://www.facebook.com/LingDeptOHIO,” he added.

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