英语从句空主语、VS语序以及虚主语的中介语偏相关性研究——兼论多变量二语相关研究中的共同作用模式和中介作用模式

A Partially Correlational Study on Embedded Null Subject,VS Order and Expletives in Interlanguage: On Common-effect and Mediation Models in Multi-factor Correlational L2 Studies

理论语言学研究认为,英语的从句空主语、VS语序和虚主语的母语习得理应关注三者间的关联性,而这三种语法现象在中介语语法中的发展也同样可能具有共变关系。但基于根本差异性假说,这种共变关系也可能并不存在。为了验证该假设,本研究采用包含控制变量的偏相关性分析方案实证调查上述三种语法现象在中介语语法中是否呈现出同步发展的趋势。结果显示,三者的中介语习得的确呈现出部分相关性,而这也就意味着其发展很有可能在某一层面上具有一定的同步性。研究所得的启示为,中介语研究将VS语序和虚主语联系起来的实证理据并不充分,而理论语言学研究中的"连带效应"在中介语语法中也只能部分兑现。

According to theoretical linguistics,the L1 acquisition of the three features concerning null subjects( embedded null subjects,VS order and expletives) is supposed to be related. In a similar vein,the interlanguage research also focuses on the likely existence of a developmental co-variation among different values of the same parameter( Phiney 1987). However,the Fundamental Difference Hypothesis casts doubt on such a putative co-development. Therefore,the present study adopts a partially correlational design to empirically investigate whether the three features develop in concordance in interlanguage. Results show that partial correlation is indeed found in interlanguage,which implies that relevant features' development is very likely to be in concordance. The insight of this study lies in its refute against the insufficient motivation for linking VS order with expletive subjects,and the 'Pied-piping effect'as proposed in theoretical linguistics is found to be partially materialized.