Finnish language learning as a project in cooking and gardening activities

Authors

• Anna-Kaisa Jokipohja Tampere university, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23997/pk.144390

Keywords:

conversation analysis, everyday interaction, Finnish as a second language, multimodality, second language learning

Abstract

This article uses multimodal conversation analysis to explore Finnish language learning over time in
cooking and gardening interactions within an integration project for adult immigrants. The analysis
focuses on a single learning project (spanning 15 months) led by a focal Finnish as a second language
user. The study shows how language learning intertwines with the cooking and gardening activities and
is initiated by the second language user. The longitudinal perspective sheds light on phases of doing
learning in interaction and shows the variety of explicit and implicit moments of learning. Over time, the
focal participant’s ways of doing learning show diversification resulting in a widened linguistic repertoire. The learner uses the focal verbal items more precisely and independently which shows developing
interactional competence. This study contributes to previous conversation analytic research by demonstrating how language learning unfolds longitudinally in practical activities outside of classroom.