Some Interactional Functions of Text in a Text-and-Voice SCMC Chat Session for Language Learning

This case study examines the functions of the text mode in a predominantly voice-only SCMC tutoring session. Using conversation analysis with attention paid to the sequential and holistic unfolding of both text and voice turns, the authors found that the bimodal text-and-voice mode was employed in repair, Initiation-Response-Feedback, assessment, and topical talk sequences. Within these sequences, text turns often reinforced voice turns to focus on language forms but also sometimes contributed to rapport-building and emotional emphasis in the voice turns. In addition to supporting voice turns, text turns also performed distinct actions that worked together with the actions in the voice turns such as initiating repair, presenting language examples as objects for consideration, achieving humor, and signaling discourse structure. The findings shed light on the interactional processes in bimodal SCMC for second language teaching and learning.