中国学习者对英语Wh-问句的可习得性实验研究

An Empirical Study of Chinese Learners' Learnability and Acquisition of Wh-questions

探讨以汉语为母语、在中国标准课堂教学下英语学习者能否与英语本族语使用者一样对英语Wh-问句的约束条件敏感,即研究可习得性的逻辑问题以及发展问题。实验研究结果发现,中国学习者能够累积性地获得接近本族语使用者的语言能力,证明了普遍语法的系统性和学习原则的存在。

This paper is concerned with whether the learnability problem exists in adult second language of English Wh--questions. Based on the theories of syntax, learning principles and parsing mechanism, a series of predictions are postulated. Most of the predictions are borne out by the results of the empirical study. The Chinese L2 learners who learn English as adolescents through formal classroom instruction can develop their knowledge of the restrictions of English Wh--questions cumulatively and finally reach a native --like stage.