Moving to L2 Fluency: The Tai Ball Chi Technique

One of the challenges faced by teachers is to successfully guide second language learners to integrate what they learn as part of controlled classroom practice into daily conversation outside of the classroom. This paper introduces one particular haptic (movement and touch) technique, the Tai Ball Chi, that, when used appropriately, supports learners to develop fluent, intelligible speech. The Tai Ball Chi brings together what students have previously learned about syllable reduction, linking, and thought group use and provides a vehicle with which they can practice these features together, and over time, integrate them into conversation.