初始年龄与中国英语学习者的外语能力研究——基于语言输入的解读

Age of Onset and China's English Learners' Foreign Language Proficiency——An Interpretation Based on Language Input

基于全国范围和区域视角,从输入的数量和强度解读了中国英语学习者的学习初始年龄与他们达到的外语语言能力之间存在的相关性,从输入的质量解析了作为首要输入源的中小学英语教师的总体能力及语音能力对中国英语学习者外语语音能力的影响。结果发现:语言输入的质量、数量和强度对于外语语言能力的作用要远远超过所谓的初始年龄效应,而作为首要输入源的我国中小学英语教师总体能力及语音能力亟待提升。为此,需淡化年龄因素和外语语言能力的关联,转而关注如何提升外语环境下学习者语言输入的质和量。

From the national and regional perspective,the correlation between China＇s English learners＇age of onset and their foreign language proficiency was interpreted based on the quantity and intensity of language input,and the effect of first English teachers＇overall ability and phonological skill upon Chinese learners＇English pronunciation was explored based on the quality of language input.It was found that the quality,quantity and intensity of language input plays a more essential role in foreign language proficiency than age of onset;however,as a primary input source,the overall ability and phonological skill of China＇s English teachers have much room for improvement.It was suggested that the correlation between age of onset and foreign language proficiency should be downplayed while priority should be given to the approaches of improving the quality and quantity of foreign language input for Chinese learners.