Communication Strategies in Problem-free Interaction: An Egyptian EFL University Context. In 2007-2008, a pre-Jan 25 Revolution time in Egypt, the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) among the youth was not taken seriously. It was regarded as a “pastime activity”. At the time, the writer believed in the potential of this new medium in enhancing agency and empowering learners to challenge ideas in a problem-free context. The notion was and still is debated, since the focus on accuracy is predominant. Frowned-upon nonnative uses are seen problematic. Since Jan 2011, the Egyptian youth have used CMC in the most innovative ways to communicate and effect change in their country. This is beyond the dreams of any observer or researcher but is definitely a sight for sore eyes. This book highlights a study investigating four communication strategies in CMC interactions among 15 Egyptian EFL students. The data revealed variations in the use of strategies between and within different modes. Factors that may lead to high/low interactivity are discussed. Useful tips for EFL teachers probing CMC grounds are shared. The book concludes with its emphasis on analyzing learner interactions through a problem-free lens focusing on communicative successes more than limitations.

1. Conversation with the Author:
Hanaa Khamis

2. For further information:
More Books http://tinyurl.com/7tm8ggq or Amazon http://tinyurl.com/89frrrb
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3. Questions/Comments
at the end
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4. Could you explain some terms?
• CMC
• NBLT
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5. “Task-based Interaction”
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6. “Problem-free Computer-
mediated Interaction”
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7. Let’s look at some authentic
exchanges over email and
Facebook Wall before we get
into the study.
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8. Nonnative Speakers of
English
NNS – NNS (L1: Arabic)
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11. Native/Nonnative Speakers
of English
NS (L1:English) – NNS
(L1: Arabic, Turkish/German)
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13. 13

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16. 16

17. Synchronous or
Asynchronous or somewhere
in between?
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18. Examples of different types of
communication strategies?
1. Hypothesis testing
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19. Examples of different types of
communication strategies?
2. Forward inferencing
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20. Examples of different types of
communication strategies?
3. Topic continuation
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21. Examples of different types of
communication strategies?
4. Off-task discussion
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22. What were your research
questions?
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23. What were your main findings
in this study?
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25. 25

26. 26

27. What are the implications of your
findings for language teachers?
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28. What topics of research are
you working on now?
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29. Tell us a little
about yourself.
• Where are you from?
• Education?
• Teaching/CALL Experience
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35. Additional questions from the
audience?
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36. Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Thanks are also due to
Claire for outlining this Vance for initiating the
session, not to event as well as setting
mention her great and up the platform, among
continuous support. all the other “ground-
Always proud to be breaking” things you
your CALL student! manage to do.
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37. For your participation
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