语法化视域下二语写作中的复合介词研究——以PNP结构为例

The Study of Complex Prepositions in the Writings of EFL Learners under the View of Grammaticalization—Take PNP Construction as an Example

语法化不但发生于自然语言的演变过程,还体现在二语学习者的语言发展过程中。通过考察中国英语学习者写作中PNP结构复合介词的使用情况,本研究发现:1) 中国学生使用PNP结构的频数总体偏低,但基本能够把握语义透明度较高、词长较短、所表达的语法关系较为简单的结构;2) 英语水平的提高有助于提高PNP结构复合介词的使用;3) 中国学生对该结构在语篇中的语义关系和语法关系把握不够到位,难以实现PNP结构复合介词的语篇连贯功能。该研究表现出了中国学习者习得语法化进程中特有的不成熟状态,这正是学习者通过努力试图突破当前状态,不断向目标语靠拢的过程。

Grammaticalization happens in the evolution process of natural languages,as well as the process of second language learning.The present study aims to examine the use of complex prepositions,mainly PNP constructions,in the writings of Chinese EFL learners.The study finds that although Chinese EFL learners tend to underuse the PNP constructions,they have a better grasp of those with high transparent meaning and shorter nouns,and those conveying simple grammatical relations.Besides,the improvement of English level can contribute to the use of PNP constructions in writings.And more importantly,Chinese EFL learners are not quite aware of the semantic and grammatical functions of the constructions in the context.These findings describe an unstable state of Chinese EFL learners in the process of acquisitional grammaticalization and the efforts of making a breakthrough in their second language learning.