In this Episode, Dr Bisson talks to Professor Emma Marsden about a really important change coming to the French, German and Spanish curriculum in England. There is going to be a more defined and constrained list of words that students have to learn and that are allowed to be on the GCSE exams. Is this going to make a difference to the number of students that choose to study languages at secondary schools? We think so! Join us to find out how many words are on the list and how this change came about.To find out more behind-the-scenes information about this topic or about our podcast, please visit our webpage, languagescientists.dmu.ac.uk. This is where you can go to ask questions, leave comments, or even participate in our current research! We'd love to hear from YOU.Follow Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson on twitter: @dr_klzavaleta and @mjbissonOr get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk and marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.ukLinks to some of the initiatives mentioned in the podcastOasis research summaries: read one-page accessible research summariesLP Pedagogy resources: access over 1000 language resources, schemes of works and word listsMultiling Profiler: check that a text meets the language knowledge of your learners

In this episode, Dr Kaitlyn Zavaleta interviews Professor Neil Kenny, Professor of French at University of Oxford, Senior Research Fellow in All Souls College, and Lead Fellow for Languages for the British Academy. This episode addresses one of the central motivations for the podcast: how to increase the number of language learners in the UK. In his role as Lead Fellow for Languages at the British Academy, Professor Kenny has developed initiatives to encourage language learning and he describes a few of these initiatives, as well as why it is so important to learn a language.To find out more behind-the-scenes information about this topic or about our podcast, please visit our webpage, languagescientists.dmu.ac.uk. This is where you can go to ask questions, leave comments, or even participate in our current research! We'd love to hear from YOU. Follow Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson on twitter: @dr_klzavaleta and @mjbisson Or get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk and marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.uk To follow the British Academy and hear more about their work, they are on Twitter: @BritishAcademy_ To read more about Professor Kenny's work at the British Academy: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications/towards-national-languages-strategy-education-and-skills/ Links to some of the resources in the podcastThe Languages Gateway: the UK's portal for languagesAssociation for Language Learning: organisation for school resourcesUniversity Council of Modern Languages: organisation for higher education language learningWorld of Languages and Languages of the World (WOLLOW): resources for encouraging children to learn languages

In this episode, Dr Kaitlyn Zavaleta interviews Dr Jiayi Wang, about those "unwritten" rules of language use, which are known as "pragmatics". What's really interesting about pragmatics is that they aren't really reflected in textbooks the way we originally learn a language. Dr Wang discusses research into English learners and their use of language in emails.To find out more behind-the-scenes information about this topic or about our podcast, please visit our webpage, languagescientists.dmu.ac.uk. This is where you can go to ask questions, leave comments, or even participate in our current research! We'd love to hear from YOU.Follow Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson on twitter: @dr_klzavaleta and @mjbissonOr get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk and marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.ukLink to Dr Wang's webpageDr Wang's research:Wang, Jiayi and Halenko, Nicola (2022a). “Mind your language”: L2 English emails during study abroad. In Halenko, Nicola and Wang, Jiayi (eds.) Pragmatics in English Language Learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 29-56.

In this episode, Dr Marie-Josee Bisson asks Dr Walter Van Heuven about language organisation in the brain. How does the brain cope with having words in different languages and how come we don't make lots of mistakes when we speak (for example saying a word in French in the middle of a conversation in English!). Listen to the episode to find out! To find out more behind-the-scenes information about this topic or about our podcast, please visit our webpage, languagescientists.dmu.ac.uk. This is where you can go to ask questions, leave comments, or even participate in our current research! We'd love to hear from YOU.Follow Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson on twitter: @dr_klzavaleta and @mjbissonOr get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk and marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.ukLink to Dr Van Heuven's research lab: https://waltervanheuven.net/Example article about Dr Van Heuven's research:van Heuven, W.J.B., Schriefers, H., Dijkstra, T., & Hagoort, P. (2008). Language conflict in the bilingual brain. Cerebral Cortex, 18, 2706-2716.https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhn030

In this Episode, we welcome you to Season 2 of the Podcast and talk about how the language that we know can influence the way we learn other languages. In particular, some foreign language words look really different compared to words in our native language. It may be that they include a combination of letters that are not possible in our native language. For example, "llw" in Welsh is quite frequent but for a speaker of English that will look quite unusual. How does this impact the learning of words? Join Dr Kaitlyn and Dr Marie in this episode to learn more about it (and we revisit incidental learning which is Marie's favourite topic!).To find out more behind-the-scenes information about this topic or about our podcast, please visit our webpage, languagescientists.dmu.ac.uk. This is where you can go to ask questions, leave comments, or even participate in our current research! We'd love to hear from YOU.Follow Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson on twitter: @dr_klzavaleta and @mjbissonOr get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk and marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.ukLink to our research lab the Language LabA recent publication on Marie's work:Bisson, M-J. (2022). Learning words with unfamiliar orthography: The role of cognitive abilities. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263122000390

In this episode, Dr Zavaleta speaks with Dr Anue Kukona about psycholinguistic research. In particular, they discuss conduction research over the internet and the advantages that come with that in terms of a more diverse sample of participants, mouse-tracking as an alternative to eye-tracking, as well as predictions in language that goes at three times the normal speed! Join us for an interesting episode! Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey. Follow Dr Zavaleta on twitter:  @dr_klzavaleta  Or get in touch with her via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk    The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk  Follow Dr Kukona on Twitter @AnueBK Or get in touch via email: a.p.bakerkukona@greenwich.ac.uk or Dr Kukona's webpage  Link to an article on mouse-tracking as mentioned in the episode:  Kukona, A., Jordan, A. Online mouse cursor trajectories distinguish phonological activation by linguistic and nonlinguistic sounds. Psychon Bull Rev (2022). https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-022-02153-6

In this episode Dr Bisson interviews Dr Zavaleta about her research on speech errors (when you say cat instead of dog or "Platurn" instead of planet because you were also thinking of Saturn... ). Dr Zavaleta explains how speech errors are a normal occurrence especially when we learn another language. Things get muddled up and the wrong word comes out but speech errors are so interesting because they tell us so much about the organisation of language in the brain. Join us for an interesting episode that we can all relate to. Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey. Follow Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson on twitter: @dr_klzavaleta  and  @mjbisson Or get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk and  marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.uk Or via the De Montfort University website: Dr Kaitlyn Zavaleta and Dr Marie-Josee Bisson  The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk  Link to Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson's research lab: sites.google.com/view/languagelab-dmu  Zavaleta, K. L., & Nicol, J. L. (2018). Effects of second language proficiency and working memory span on novel language learning. Journal of Second Language Studies, 1(1), 79-105.

In this episode, Dr Bisson talks to Professor Matthew Inglis about the importance of randomised controlled trials in education research. In other words, why is it crucial to allocate pupils to an intervention randomly and at the pupil level (rather than, say, a whole class) in order to be able to draw strong conclusions from a research study. Join us as we discuss how to get teachers better informed about this and other research methods.    Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey. Follow Dr Bisson on twitter:  @mjbisson Or get in touch with her via email:  marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.uk The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk Link to Dr Bisson's research lab: sites.google.com/view/languagelab-dmu  Visit Dr Inglis research webpage or get in touch via email: m.j.inglis@lboro.ac.uk  Link to research article mentioned in the podcast Jones, I., Bisson, M., Gilmore, C. & Inglis, M. (2019). Measuring conceptual understanding in randomised controlled trials: Can comparative judgement help? British Educational Research Journal, 45, 662-680.

In this episode Dr Bisson speaks with Dr Angelos Lengeris about phonological abilities and their importance for language learning. Join us to hear about how we can train our ear to hear sounds that do not exist in our native language and how this then helps us speak with a more "native-like" accent. Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey. Follow Dr Bisson on twitter:  @mjbisson Or get in touch with her via email:  marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.uk The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk Link to Dr Bisson's research lab: sites.google.com/view/languagelab-dmu  Visit Dr Lengeris research webpage or get in touch via email: A.Lengeris@phil.uoa.gr  Link to research article on training phonological abilities Lengeris, A. (2018). Computer-based auditory training improves second-language vowel production in spontaneous speech. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America Express Letters, 144 (3), EL165-171.

In this episode Dr Zavaleta speaks with Dr Elizabeth Enkin about using virtual reality as a tool for language learning. Join us to hear research using virtual reality to help students speak in the target language whilst reducing feelings of anxiety, even using virtual sculpture making as a way of facilitating target language use.Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey.Follow Dr Zavaleta on twitter: @dr_klzavaletaOr get in touch with her via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk   The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk  Link to our research lab: sites.google.com/view/languagelab-dmuFollow Dr Enkin's department at @UNLModLangOr contact her via email: eenkin@unl.edu  Link to book chapter mentioned in the Podcast https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352798940_The_Smart_Language_Lab_Building_and_Integrating_Emerging_Technology_into_Language_Programs

In this episode, Dr Bisson interviews Dr Alex Mangold from Aberystwyth University on the topic of creative assessment. They discuss the decline in uptake of modern foreign languages at University level and Alex explains how creative assessments could change that by allowing students to produce a creative piece rather than always being assessed through more formal essay writing. Alex gives examples of what creative assessments could be, from drawings and collage to dramatic monologues and video blogs. Join us for some ideas on how to change the students' work is assessed in modern languages.   Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey. Follow Dr Bisson on twitter:  @mjbisson Or get in touch with her via email:  marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.uk The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk Link to Dr Bisson's research lab: sites.google.com/view/languagelab-dmu  Visit Dr Mangold's research webpage, get in touch via email: arm@aber.ac.uk or submit your creative assessment to the hub cmlp@aber.ac.uk Follow the creative assessment project on twitter @CMLang_ or creativemodernlanguages.substack.com

In this episode Dr Zavaleta talks to Dr Ana Pellicer-Sanchez about learning vocabulary through reading as well as her research using films with bilingual subtitles. You will find out what Ana recommends to improve vocabulary knowledge in and out of the classroom: from reading a book to watching a film and using an app, her message is clear, enjoyment is key! Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey. Follow Dr Zavaleta on twitter:  @dr_klzavaleta  Or get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk   Link to Dr Zavaleta's research lab: sites.google.com/view/languagelab-dmu The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk  Visit Dr Pellicer-Sanchez's research webpage Or get in touch with Ana via email: a.pellicer-sanchez@ucl.ac.uk  Link to the article on bilingual subtitles mentioned in the episode:  Wang, A., & Pellicer Sanchez, A. (2022). Incidental Vocabulary Learning From Bilingual Subtitled Viewing: An Eye-Tracking Study. Language Learning. doi:10.1111/lang.12495

In this episode, Dr Bisson speaks with Professor Kathy Conklin about eye-tracking in language research. From archaic equipment with bite bar to newer online tools to track people's eyes, Kathy explains what eye-tracking can tell us about language processing and language learning. In particular, you get to hear about her fascinating research on binomials: What is so special about "fish and chips" compared to "chips and fish"? Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next, and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey. Follow Dr Bisson on twitter:  @mjbisson Or get in touch via email:  marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.uk The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk Visit Professor Conklin's research webpage: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/english/people/kathy.conklin Or get in touch with her via email: Kathy.Conklin@nottingham.ac.uk  Link to the eye-tracking book mentioned in the episode:  CONKLIN, K., PELLICER-SÁNCHEZ, A. and CARROL, G. (2018). Eye-tracking: A guide for applied linguistics research. Cambridge University Press

In this episode Dr Zavaleta talks to Dr Bisson about incidental learning and how we can use this type of learning to help us learn a language in and out of the classroom. Being exposed to a language can help you pick up new words, syntax and grammar even if you are engaged in another task. This can be something like playing a game with foreign language words, reading a book in the foreign language, watching a foreign language film with subtitles or immersing yourself in the foreign language environment. This type of learning is very similar to how we learn our native language and requires no conscious effort to learn.Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey.Follow Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson on twitter: @dr_klzavaleta and @mjbissonOr get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk and marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.ukOr contact them via the De Montfort University website: Dr Kaitlyn Zavaleta and Dr Marie-Josee Bisson The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.ukLink to Dr Bisson's research lab: sites.google.com/view/languagelab-dmuExample article about Dr Bisson's research:Bisson, M.-J., Baker-Kukona, A. & Lengeris, A. (2021). An ear and eye for language: Mechanisms underlying second language word learning. Bilingualism, Language and Cognition. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1366728920000723.

In this episode you meet us, your hosts for the series, Dr Kaitlyn Zavaleta and Dr Marie-Josee Bisson and we set the scene for what is to come.   We are both Senior Lecturers at De Montfort University and we conduct research on language learning.   Throughout the series we will be interviewing experts in the field of language learning and beyond to impart informative, evidence based and practical advice. The topics range from incidental learning, eye-tracking, learning vocabulary though reading, creative assessments, using virtual reality in the classroom, training phonological abilities, randomised control trials, speech errors and conducting research online.    We hope that you will join us in discovering all those topics and let us know what you think! Can you help us by completing our survey? We would like to know what you liked about this episode, what you would like to hear about next and also whether you have encountered any barriers in your language learning journey. Click here for the link to this 5-minute survey.   Follow Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson on twitter: @dr_klzavaleta and  @mjbisson  Or get in touch via email: kaitlyn.zavaleta@dmu.ac.uk and marie-josee.bisson@dmu.ac.uk  The Language Scientists Podcast website: languagescientists.our.dmu.ac.uk  De Montfort University website: Dr Kaitlyn Zavaleta and Dr Marie-Josee Bisson  Link to Dr Zavaleta and Dr Bisson's research lab: sites.google.com/view/languagelab-dmu