第二语言ERP研究的新进展

Recent Developments of ERP Studies in Second Language Acquisition

本文对近年来ERP技术在二语的语义、句法、语音和双语转换等方面的研究进展做了梳理后,得出如下结论:习得年龄、二语水平和语言结构相似度等是影响二语实时加工的3大因素;儿童二语语音的习得受到学习方式和语言水平等因素的制约;语言转换存在非对称效应,句子语境中的转换代价发生在决策阶段而非语义整合阶段。最后,指出了二语ERP研究存在的不足以及今后发展的新路径。

Dense data on second language acquisition(SLA) have been documented with the technique of event-related potentials(ERPs).This paper reviewed the progress of the ERP-based studies in such areas as semantic,syntactic,phonological and language switching aspects of SLA.Three conclusions were drawn from the review.Firstly,the main factors affecting online second language processing consists of age of acquisition,proficiency and L1/L2 structural similarity.The critical period of SLA fails to gain much support;secondly,children's acquisition of foreign phonemes is mainly influenced by language proficiency and learning style;thirdly,there exists an asymmetrical effect in language switching.Switching cost in sentential context is found in the decision-making period.Learners' proficiency modulates the switching process.This paper also ventured on the implications of ERP approach for further SLA studies.