The Communicative Environment and Communication Responsibility

Abstract

By focusing on the conditions that surround initial speech acquisition and theories associated with first and second language acquisition, one may consider alternate approaches to encourage the use of speech and communication of adult, non-native English speakers. This article describes the language environment established for Japanese college students in an EFL program to facilitate increased English-speaking using a Communicative Responsibility Model (CRM). Results showed changes in conversational tasks as well as a decrease in speaking anxiety. Implications of these findings suggest a fresh look at recreating a different environment for adult second language users within educational and clinical settings, particularly for those who demonstrate speaker anxiety and speaking reticen.