CAN WE TALK

The negotiation of meaning, the process whereby speakers work with each others' messages to achieve understanding, is currently regarded as an important factor in second language development. This article discusses the negotiation process and presents selected findings from a study of learner-to-learner talk found during systematic observation of a Spanish conversation course at the college level. The findings suggest that an interview-type speaking activity does not necessarily provide opportunities for negotiation work to take place. An example is provided for a speaking activity that promotes negotiation work among learners of foreign languages. Using this example as a guide, similar tasks can be created.