The Basic Communication Course: Options for Accommodating Non-native Speakers of Mainstream North American English

Authors

• Donald L. Rubin, University of Georgia
• Donald Turk, University of Georgia

Abstract

This article outlines the various options for basic speech communication classes for non-native speakers of mainstream North American English (NNSMNAE), focusing on the introductory class in public speaking in the U.S. A series of interviews were conducted with twelve NNSMNAE students who had enrolled in mainstream public speaking courses. When NNSMNAE students enter U.S. English as a second language (ESL) programs, their initial oral communication needs are usually associated with everyday world communications tasks like navigating the campus or the supermarket. It appears that the norm for NNSMNAE will be to approach a basic course in speech communication with little experience in formal public speaking in their native language. They may have had some ESL class activities in giving reports, but most of their oral instruction in ESL will have related to speaking and listening in nonacademic interpersonal contexts.

Recommended Citation

Rubin, D. L., & Turk, D. (1997). The basic communication course: Options for accommodating non-native speakers of mainstream North American English. Journal of the Association for Communication Administration, 26(2), 140–148.