中国英语学习者短语能力探究

Assessing Chinese EFL learners' phrasal ability

本文采用横断研究设计方案,以Phrasal Vocabulary Size Test(PVST)对三组共118名受试进行测试,了解中国英语学习者习得英语短语的情况。研究发现:1)中国英语学习者英语短语掌握情况一般,中级水平学习者短语量最小;2)学习者短语能力与词汇量、阅读水平及英语综合水平呈显著正相关;其中阅读能力和短语能力对英语综合水平影响较大,词汇量影响甚微;3)PVST难易度适中,短语频率非决定题目难易度的唯一指标。

This paper attempts to provide a profile of Chinese EFL learners' acquisition of English multi-word expressions. Adopting a cross-sectional research design, the Phrasal Vocabulary Size Test(PVST) is used to assess three groups of 118 learners' phrasal ability. The results show that:(1) generally the subjects appear to have a satisfactory command of English phrase, with the mid-level students performing the poorest;(2)learners ' phrasal ability correlates significantly with their vocabulary and reading ability in a positive fashion, and moderately with their English proficiency. Reading and phrasal ability contribute greatly to learners' general English proficiency, while vocabulary contributes little; and(3) the PVST is of moderate difficulty and its item analysis suggests that phrase frequency should not be the only indicator of item facility.