Breffni O'Rourke

Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics and
Manager of Language Learning Technologies and Resources

Research Interests

One of my main interests is metalinguistic knowledge and its role in second language acquisition. This provides the focus for my research in technology and language pedagogy, especially the language and discourse of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC), such as my work in using eye-tracking to explore the details of users’ interaction with text-based CMC. Tied to this are more general issues of cognition and language and communication technologies, including written language itself. I am also interested in the comparative adequacy of sociocultural and cognitive approaches to language acquisition.

Selected Publications

• O'Rourke, B. (2012). Using eye-tracking to investigate gaze behaviour in synchronous computer-mediated communication for language learning. In M. Dooly and R. O'Dowd (eds.), Researching Online Interaction and Exchange in Foreign Language Education: Methods and Issues, pp. 305-341. Oxford: Peter Lang.
• O'Sullivan, H., G. Martin, and B. O'Rourke (2011). 'The Irish are too polite': Analysing stereotype and identity dynamics in student webchat in, editor(s)Arnd Witte and Theo Harden , Intercultural competence: Concepts, challenges, evaluations (pp.393 - 409). Oxford: Peter Lang.
• O'Rourke, B. & L. Carson (2010). Language learner autonomy: Policy, curriculum, classroom. Oxford: Peter Lang.
• Carson, L. & B. O'Rourke (2010). Language and learners, interdependence and autonomy. In B. O'Rourke & L. Carson (eds.), Language learner autonomy: Policy, curriculum, classroom (pp. xix-xxv). Oxford: Peter Lang.
• Cieslicka, A., B. O'Rourke and D. Singleton (2009). Salience or context in the processing of L1 and L2 multi-word units? In M. Wysocka (ed.), On language structure, acquisition and teaching (pp. 293-304). Katowice: University of Silesia Press.
• O'Rourke, Breffni. (2008). The other C in CMC: What alternative data sources can tell us about synchronous computer mediated communication and language learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 28(3), 227-251.
• Cieslicka, A., B. O'Rourke and D. Singleton (2008). The processing of multi-word units: Evidence from readers’ eye movements. In K. Myczko, K., B. Skowronek & W. Zabrocki (eds.), Perspektywy glottodydaktyki i językoznawstwa. Tom jubileuszowy z okazji 70. urodzin Profesora Waldemara Pfeiffera (pp.39-55). Poznań: Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM.
• Cieslicka, A., B. O'Rourke and D. Singleton (2007). Activation of literal and idiomatic meanings during on-line processing of L1 and L2 idioms. In J. Arabski (ed.), Challenging tasks for psycholinguistics in the new century (pp. 267-282). Katowice: Oficyna Wydawnicza Waclaw Walasek, University of Silesia.
• O'Rourke, B. (2007). Models of Telecollaboration (1): E-Tandem. In R. O'Dowd (ed.), Online Intercultural Exchange (pp.l 41-61). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.O'Rourke, B. (2005). Form-focused interaction in online tandem learning. CALICO Journal, 22(3), pp. 433-466.

Teaching/Supervision

I teach modules in Pedagogical Grammar of English and in Technology, Language, and Communication at Masters level. At undergraduate level I teach Discourse Analysis, as well as contributions to Broad Curriculum courses (prescriptive and descriptive approaches to language, linguistic relativity, the origins of writing, pragmatics). In the past I also taught German (undergraduate) and Classroom Discourse (Masters).
I have supervised PhD work in aspects of language pedagogy, language and technology, and technology in language learning. These tend to be the main areas in my Masters supervision too.

Breffni O'Rourke on the TCD Research Support System

Contact Details

Centre for Language and Communication Studies
Room 3041
Arts Building
Trinity College
Dublin 2.

Telephone: +353 1 896 3162
Fax: +353 1 896 2941
Email: breffni.orourke@tcd.ie