Learner Interpretations of Shared Space in Multilateral English Blogging (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Studies in digitally mediated communication have explored how language learners co-construct and co-mediate with each other in telecollaboration or online exchange projects. On what common ground and conditions they can work together successfully is of concern in these studies (Basharina, 2007, 2009; Belz, 2002; Hauck, 2007; Lee, 2008; O'Dowd, 2005; 2006; Ware, 2005; Ware & Kramsch, 2005; Ware & O'Dowd, 2008). The importance of shared space has frequently been suggested (Darhower, 2007; Schneider & von der Emde, 2006; Ware & Kramsch, 2005). The term, shared space is not taken literally in this paper; it does not refer to a physical space (e.g., an online platform or blogosphere) in which the participants gather together to carry out a task. Rather, it is viewed as a metaphorical space where human beings sense their relations with others in the act of communication. Thus, exploring how language learners interpret and approach shared space can assist researchers in gaining insight into how language learners create relationships between themselves and others for co-construction and co-mediation in digitally mediated communication.