从句类型与嵌入位置对关系从句习得影响的不对称性

Asymmetric influence of clause types and embedded positions on acquisition of relative clauses

本研究通过汉译英单句翻译测试考察了中国英语学习者对不同类型关系从句的习得情况。研究结果显示,主语关系从句比宾语关系从句更容易习得;在从句类型一致的情况下,嵌入主句宾语位置的关系从句比嵌入主语位置的关系从句更容易习得。从句类型和嵌入位置同时作用于关系从句的习得,但是二者的影响效应具有不对称性,前者能够抵消甚至掩盖后者的效应。该结果支持语段理论对关系从句生成的解释。

This study examines the acquisition of different types of relative clauses by Chinese English learners through a Chinese-English sentence translation test.The results show that subject relative clauses are easier to acquire than object relative clauses,and for the same type of relative clauses,those embedded in the main object are easier to acquire than those embedded in the main subject.The types and the embedded positions both affect the acquisition of relative clauses,but with asymmetric effects:the former can neutralize or even cover the effect of the latter.The results are in accordance with the explanation of the Phase Theory for the generation of relative clauses.