Applied Linguistics: Transcription and Analysis of ELL English Language Acquisition

Applied Linguistics Second Language Acquisition

Language is extremely complex to learn and is acquired in stages and over time. There are many second language learning theories that explore the area of language acquisition. It is important to understand how children and adults acquire a second language. For this assignment you will transcribe and analyze an interview of an English Language Learning (ELL) student regarding English language development based on linguistic principles.

Use Appendix A in your syllabus as a format and example for this assignment.

This assignment has four parts:

Part I. The introduction: Include an introduction about the IELTS interviewee. In the introduction, include information about the ELL’s English proficiency, cultural background, age, the setting of the interview, and any other background information that you feel is important about the student being interviewed .

Part II. The interview: Review the interview of one of the ELLs in the videos who is learning English as a second language. Both ELLs are intermediate English proficient.

Interview choice #1 Ali, a Saudi Arabian man (4:58 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVef7Wf63bE&list=PLsuhejYkZ347SSZIRO-bh5t0aiDl5lNO5&index=4

Interview choice #2 Li a Chinese woman (4:22 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkFyWO70uGk&list=PLsuhejYkZ347SSZIRO-bh5t0aiDl5lNO5&index=8

Interview choice #3 Constantinos a Greek Man (10:40 minutes)

https://www.google.com/search?q=youtube+IELTS+level+6+speaking+band&rlz=1C1GCFR_enUS1106US1106&oq=youtube+IELTS+level+6+speaking+band&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhA0gEIOTk5MmowajmoAgCwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:652cdd98,vid:mZF0irCXLTQ,st:0

Interview choice #4 Ming/Olivia a Chinese woman (3:56 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZQbh5qMK_A

Make sure you write down exactly what the ELL says, including all errors. Do your best to spell words that are mispronounced. Use the following format:

Interviewer: (Write what the interviewer says…)

ELL: (Write what the ELL says…)

Part III. Analysis: Use Appendix A for the analysis of the English language errors. Analyze the student’s recorded speech for errors of phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.

Part IV. Conclusion: Write a conclusion of your ELL’s language transcription that summarizes your findings and makes suggestions for the ELL’s continued English language acquisition. What are the ELL’s next steps for learning the English language?

Rubric

Applied Linguistics Second Language Acquisition (20 points)

Element	Not Met 0 – 15 points	Met 16 – 18 points	Exceeded 19- 20 points
Introduc- tion (2 points)	An introduction about the ELL is not completed.	An introduction about the ELL is included. Some information about the ELLs English proficiency, cultural background, age, the setting of the interview, about the student being interviewed is included.	A clear and comprehensive introduction about the ELL is included. All information about the ELLs English proficiency, cultural background, age, the setting of the interview, and any other important background information about the ELL being interviewed is written.
Interview (6 points)	An interview of one of the two ELLs on the video link in the assignment directions was not included.	An interview of one of the two ELLs on the video link in the assignment directions was included. The interview was transcribed but there may be some errors or missing information. The correct format is used.	An interview of one of the two ELLs on the video link in the assignment directions was included. The interview was transcribed with no errors or missing information. The correct format for the interview is used.
Analysis (6 points)	Most grammatical subsystems listed in Appendix A are not assigned and the analysis is incorrect or incomplete.	Most grammatical subsystems listed in Appendix A are assigned at least once in the interview. Most of the analyses of errors are correct.	All grammatical subsystems listed in Appendix A are assigned at least once in the interview. The analysis of errors is correct and clearly stated.
Conclusion (2 points)	A conclusion that summarizes the findings of the interview and analysis is not included.	A conclusion that summarizes the findings of the interview and analysis is included.	A clear and comprehensive conclusion that summarizes the findings of the interview and analysis is included. Next steps for English learning and instruction for the ELL are listed.
Writing format (2 points)	The assignment is not well organized. There are numerous errors in APA format and NSU style guide throughout the paper.	The written report includes an introduction, interview, analysis, and conclusion. There are some minor errors in APA format and NSU style guide requirements throughout the paper. The assignment may not be submitted on time.	APA format and NSU style guide requirements are correctly used throughout the paper. The written report includes an introduction, interview, analysis, and conclusion. The assignment is submitted on time.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Completing the Applied Linguistics Second Language Acquisition Assignment

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

Assignment Parts: 4 parts – Introduction, Interview Transcription, Analysis, and Conclusion.
Video Options: Choose one ELL interview from the four provided. Each ELL is intermediate English proficient.
Length & Format: Follow Appendix A format in your syllabus. Use APA format, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font.
Focus: Analyze errors in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.

Step 2: Part I – Introduction

Write a comprehensive introduction about the ELL. Include:
- Name and age (if provided)
- Cultural and linguistic background
- English proficiency level
- Context and setting of the interview (e.g., classroom, IELTS practice)
- Any relevant personal details that influence language acquisition
Tip: Keep the introduction concise, about 1 paragraph, but include all necessary details.

Step 3: Part II – Interview Transcription

Watch the selected video carefully.
Transcribe exactly what the ELL says, including errors and mispronunciations.
Use the following format:
- Interviewer: (Write interviewer’s exact words)
- ELL: (Write the student’s exact words, spelling errors or mispronunciations included)
Tip: Play the video multiple times to capture every detail accurately.

Step 4: Part III – Analysis

Analyze the ELL’s language errors using the Appendix A framework. Include:
- Phonology: Errors in pronunciation, intonation, or stress patterns
- Morphology: Issues with verb tense, pluralization, or word formation
- Syntax: Sentence structure, word order, or grammar mistakes
- Semantics: Word choice errors, meaning confusion, or inappropriate usage
Provide specific examples from the transcription.
Tip: Use clear, concise explanations for each type of error, linking them to second language acquisition theories where relevant.

Step 5: Part IV – Conclusion

Summarize the findings from the transcription and analysis.
Suggest next steps for the ELL’s language development, e.g.:
- Practice specific phonemes or intonation patterns
- Focused grammar exercises for verb tenses or sentence structures
- Vocabulary development and semantic clarification
Keep this 1–2 paragraphs and connect recommendations to observed errors.

Step 6: References & APA Format

Include all sources used for linguistic theory, error analysis, or second language acquisition research.
Use APA 7th edition format for in-text citations and references.
Ensure the assignment meets NSU style guide requirements.

Step 7: Writing Tips

Maintain professional, academic tone throughout.
Avoid quoting the ELL; transcribe in your own words for analysis but keep errors intact for illustration.
Organize your paper clearly: Introduction → Transcription → Analysis → Conclusion.
Proofread for grammar, APA format, and clarity.

Step 8: Final Checks Before Submission

Verify the transcription is accurate and complete.
Confirm all four grammatical subsystems are analyzed.
Ensure APA formatting is correct for title page, headings, citations, and reference page.
Check assignment against rubric to ensure all criteria are met.