Testing L2 Talk: A Review of Empirical Studies on Second-Language Oral Proficiency Testing

In this review article, empirical studies published from 2004 through 2014 on second‐language (L2) oral proficiency testing are analyzed, with a specific focus on discourse and social interaction in such tests. Taking three common test setups, oral proficiency interviews (OPIs), paired peer tests, a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Language and linguistics compass 2016-01, Vol.10 (1), p.14-29
Main Authors: Sandlund, Erica, Sundqvist, Pia, Nyroos, Lina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
assessment
conversation analysis
EFL
Engelska
English
ESL
interaction
Language proficiency
Language tests
OPI
oral proficiency
Spoken language
testing
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Summary:In this review article, empirical studies published from 2004 through 2014 on second‐language (L2) oral proficiency testing are analyzed, with a specific focus on discourse and social interaction in such tests. Taking three common test setups, oral proficiency interviews (OPIs), paired peer tests, and group peer tests as an organizing principle for the studies examined, recent developments in L2 oral proficiency testing research are situated, reviewed, and discussed, with a particular focus on tests conducted in face‐to‐face contexts. Findings from the review of selected journals, databases, monographs, and edited collections indicate (1) a prevalence of studies of the OPI format, but a growing research base on paired and group tests, (2) an absence of oral test studies in discourse journals, and (3) an emphasis on assessment, validation, and rater perspectives, as opposed to detailed analyses of interaction in L2 tests.
ISSN:1749-818X
1749-818X
DOI:10.1111/lnc3.12174