How professors signal ideas shapes learning across different fields
A study of English-taught university lectures finds that professors use formulaic phrases like "on the other hand" differently depending on their discipline. The variation matters for curriculum design, lecture training, and ensuring non-native speakers can follow instruction as effectively as native peers.
Originaltitel: Formulaic sequences signalling discourse organisation in ELF academic lectures: a disciplinary perspective
<p>Formulaic sequences (e.g. on the other hand, for example, at the same time) are pervasive in natural language use and play an important role in differentiating socially situated practices. This paper examines formulaic sequences signalling discourse organisation in academic ELF lectures from a disciplinary perspective. Most previous studies of this kind employ a frequency-based approach; however, the inherent limitations of the methodology (e.g. arbitrary operational criteria, difficulty in handling discontinuous units) mean that a great deal may have been overlooked. This may be particularly relevant to ELF communication, which involves a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. The present study aims to address this gap by taking a manual approach in the identification of formulaic sequences, continuous or discontinuous, in context. The results provide further evidence for disciplinary differences and variability in the use of formulaic language to signal discourse organisation by lecturers in academic ELF settings.</p>