Introduces this special issue of the journal, which focuses on an important aspect of learner language--linguistic errors. Each of the nine articles are highlighted. (Author/VWL)

To overcome obstacles in error detection needed for intelligent feedback in computer assisted language learning (CALL), calls for a new focus on lexical items, both single words and multiword units of various types. Suggests single and multiword lexemes should not only be explicitly taught in CALL but could also provide the key to more effective…

Discusses selected theoretical aspects of providing error feedback for language learners. Theoretical considerations concerning the dialog with the learner about linguistic errors are discussed, and some conclusions for computer assisted language learning (CALL) system design are drawn. (Author/VWL)

Poses four important questions relevant to error diagnosis and correction in computer assisted language learning (CALL). These questions relate to the diagnosis of persistent second language (L2) learner grammar errors, whether these can be corrected, what types of feedback from the computer are most efficient for focusing the students' attention…

Presents four sets of natural language processing-based exercises for which error correction and feedback are produced by means of a rich database in which linguistic information is encoded either at the lexical or the grammatical level. (Author/VWL)

Reports a study on the impact of learner control on the error correction process within a web-based Intelligent Language Tutoring System (ILTS). During three 1-hour grammar practice sessions, 33 students used an ILTS for German that provided error-specific and individualized feedback. Results indicate the majority of students (85%) sought to…

A convenient and user-friendly method for computer-based second-language instruction (especially exotic-alphabet languages) presents a "pool" of text chunks from which the student uses a mouse to select and drag the chunks to form answers. Several types of feedback, including edit markup, may be selected; revision consists of rearranging, adding,…

Discusses how computer-assisted language learning programs can generate error messages to help students in different ways. The article points out that an easier solution is to program a computer to recognize several different kinds of generic errors not related to any particular question but applicable to many situations, in order to generate…

Describes theoretical and practical considerations related to the provision of feedback in the written compositions of advanced foreign language learners of French. Discusses the approach taken to teaching and assessing writing skills of students and considers how using a computer-based composition annotation program can contribute to reduction of…

A computer grammar checker is described that evolved from a sample of errors and resulting in a taxonomy of 14 main and 93 subtypes. Using a 1,402-word stem electronic dictionary, an augmented transition network parser, and a set of disambiguating rules, the checker provides feedback for 7 types of errors. (12 references) (Author/LB)

Looks at how speech-interactive computer-assisted language learning can help the classroom teacher carry out recommendations from immersion-based approaches to language instruction. Emerging methods for pronunciation tutoring are demonstrated from Carnegie Mellon University's FLUENCY project, addressing not only phone articulation but also speech…

Typical markup methods for providing feedback to foreign language learners are not applicable to languages not written in a strictly linear fashion. A modification of Hart's edit markup software is described, along with a second variation based on a simple edit distance algorithm adapted to a general Southeast Asian font system. (10 references)…

A one-year study is reported that addresses whether and in which way grammatically computer-assisted language learning (CALL) can help English writing instruction in a Taiwanese setting. Results of a CALL courseware intervention with first-year college students suggest that classroom instruction combined with grammatical CALL is at least not…

Describes development and evaluation of an error analysis procedure for a computer-assisted language learning program using natural language processing techniques. The program can be used for learning passive voice in Japanese on any World Wide Web browser. The program enables learners to type sentences freely, detects errors, and displays…