View Content #27593

This activity is for language learners of all levels and was developed to help them explore what language proficiency entails.

Objectives:

Learners will be able to:

• Reflect on their intercultural competence
• Draw connections between intercultural competence and proficiency
• Reflect on their proficiency in the L1 and L2

​Mode(s): Interpersonal

Materials: IPIC Framework Note Sheet (2 copies)

Procedure:

1. Either before or during class, ask learners to record 3-5 minutes of a conversation in which they engage in a targeted language function with potentially high social consequences (e.g., apologizing for losing or breaking something that belongs to a friend, showing up late to a meeting, or having to turn down an invitation to a party) in the L1.

2. Ask learners to listen to the recording. As they do, have them dissect what was said by taking notes in the IPIC Framework Note Sheet. This step should take roughly 10 minutes.

3. As a class, discuss your notes. Ask learners to distill what they actually had to know to participate in the conversation (knowledge), how they chose language and interpreted meaning (analysis), why they made their choices (subjectivity), and how their choices impacted their fellow interlocutors (awareness).

4. Then, ask them if they are proficient in the L1 and how they know. During this discussion, ask them to identify domains in which they feel the most proficient and why. Connect these domains back to the IPIC Framework Note Sheet. For example, they may feel very proficient in familiar domains but have a lower level of comfort in those which are more formal (e.g. workplace).

5. Next, ask learners to engage in and record the same scenario from Step 1, but this time in the L2. Then, repeat steps 2-4 on the second copy of the IPIC Framework Note Sheet.

6. To close, have learners set a goal for themselves related to improving their language proficiency as it relates to spontaneous communication. As part of this goal, ask them to turn in a plan for achieving that goal. Be sure to provide feedback and suggestions!