James P. Lantolfis a world famous socio-cultural linguist, distinguished scholar in the field of linguists, the director of Language Acquisition Center of Department of Applied Language Studies in University of Pennsylvania, George and Jane Greer professor, the director of CALPER and the executive vice president of AAAL. He has also been appointed as a committee member of several international first-class periodicals, such as:Modern Linguistic Journals, Applied Linguistics in Australia, International Periodical of Language Research. He is the founder of theAssociation of Studies of Socio-cultural Theory and Second Language Learningand thePeriodical of Theory of Language and Social Linguistics.He has published hundreds of papers and has authored or edited eight books. He has given dozens of speeches at international conferences.. He is invited to visit XJTU and has been appointed an honorary professor at XJTU.
1. Topic: Socio-cultural Psychology and the Pedagogical Imperative: L2 Developmental Education
Time: October 21th ( Tuesday) 4:10 -5:30PM
Abstract: The hypothesis of general communication teaching theory is that by understanding “the natural psychological process” governing language input, a learner can understand the target language more effectively. Vygotsky has pointed out that there is a difference between learners studying in an artificial environment and in a natural environment, however. Therefore, education improves the development of language in an obvious, systematic and organized way. The mission of teachers is to present knowledge in a systematic and learner-friendly way, which can help the students connect to their own actual activities.
To clarify this point, this lecture will combine two empirical studies: the verb-noun collocation and how to detect irony in everyday spoken language.
2. Topic: The Relevance of Meaning for L2 Learning and Teaching
Time: October 22th ( Wednesday) 4:10 -5:30PM
Abstract: From Saussure to Chomsky, second language research and teaching comply with the basic structure on which the science focuses. However, cognitive linguistics and socio-cultural psychology highlight the systematic and precise semantic research, which is a positive force in prompting human communication and thought.
This lecture illustrates that learning and teaching should focus on how to use semantics in communication and thinking by introducing the importance of rhetorical metaphors (including metaphor and metonymy) and gesture language to second language researchers and teachers.
Address: 10thfloor multi-functional academic hall on Yifu Foreign Language B Building
Organizer: Institution of International Cooperation and Exchange in XJTU
School of Foreign Studies of XJTU
