补缺假设与外语学习

The Compensation Hypothesis in L2 Learning

本文从外语学习环境的角度 ,提出“补缺假设” ,认为语言与语境知识的有机结合是语言正确流利使用的前提。由于外语环境缺少与外语表达方式匹配的真实语境 ,在外语理解、习得和使用的过程中 ,大脑中的母语语境知识介入补缺 ,进而激活与母语语境知识配套的母语表达式 ,母语迁移因此而发生 ,影响外语学习。补缺不是指因外语表达式的欠缺而由母语结构去替代 ,替代的发生是语境知识补缺的结果。

This paper explicates the Compensation Hypothesis intended to account for L2 learning in the foreign language context. According to this hypothesis, fluent and accurate use of language presupposes that linguistic and contextual knowledge is properly welded. The foreign language learning setting is characterized by a lack of authentic contexts compatible with L2 use. By way of compensating for this lack, L1 contextual knowledge comes in, thus activating those L1 forms which go with it, and resulting in L1 transfer. The compensatory process is not simply equivalent to replacing a L2 form with a L1 form. Rather, the superficial replacement is mediated and effected by learners' L1 contextual knowledge.