The interlanguage metaphor and language assessment
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2268704 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Fred Davidson (Urbana University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 1994 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 377-386 |
| Publication date | 1994-11-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | World Englishes (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0883-2919 • E-ISSN: 1467-971X |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1467-971x.1994.tb00323.x |
| OpenAlex | W2027748803 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 23 |
The concept of 'interlanguage' is addressed with special attention to language assessment. Interlanguage assumes a single target norm, and this paper contends that major language tests uphold that norm. The paper challenges testing's role in the concept of interlanguage by challenging the mechanism by which such tests uphold that single norm and thereby suppress linguistic variety. It is a mechanism which operates by selecting for test items that adhere to a normal-curve-derived testing model. To counter such a mechanism, the paper argues that (1) testing companies should be challenged with hard statistical data that shows their tests to be multidimensional, and (2) reasoning in favor of self-directed testing can further show the monolithic nature of major tests. The paper concludes with an appeal to language test users (as opposed to test developers) to participate in the reform of language assessment
Appeal · Interlanguage · Language assessment · Linguistics · Mathematics education · Metaphor · Norm (philosophy · Political science · Test (biology · Variety (cybernetics · Computer Science · Natural Language Processing Techniques · Psychology · Student Assessment and Feedback · Topic Modeling · Artificial Intelligence
Interest and effort in education.
Theoretical Bases of Communicative Approaches to Second Language Teaching and Testing
Using standardized achievement and oral proficiency tests for self-assessment purposes
The prehistory of Toefl
Dimensionality and construct validity of language tests
Self-assessment of language proficiency
The underlying factor structure of L2 close test performance in Francophone, university-level students
The construct validation of self-ratings of communicative language ability
A self-rating scale of English difficulty
Reply from Robert Phillipson
From Robert J. Baumgardner
The Construct Validation of Some Components of Communicative Proficiency
Self-Assessment as a Second Language Placement Instrument
The Concept of Method, Interested Knowledge, and the Politics of Language Teaching
Theoretical Bases of Communicative Approaches to Second Language Teaching and Testing
The Divisibility of Language Competence
Self-Assessment of Foreign-Language Skills
From Fred Davidson
Issues of validity in tests of English as a world language
Testing across cultures
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,07 |
| Citation span | 1996 - 2004 (9) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |