Usage-based Approaches to Research on VACs in English as an L2

doi:10.12002/j.bisu.242

Abstract

Abstract:

Usage-based approaches to second language acquisition (SLA) have gained momentum in the past decade on the international stage. Among the constructions under investigation, English verb-argument constructions (VACs) figures prominently. Unfortunately, this trend has not yet attracted much attention at home. To fill in this gap, this paper first explains the theoretical points of usage-based approaches to SLA, then provides a review of the empirical studies in terms of topics and methods. The topics mainly concern learners’ construction knowledge and the influence of learners’ first language on their use of VACs. With regard to methods, researchers often adopt corpus and experiment in a separate or combined way, while employing computer simulation when necessary. Finally, the authors tentatively make five suggestions for future research: (1) The ways in which various input factors affect more types of VACs should be investigated. (2) More attention should be attached to the effect of first language on the use of second language VACs by learners with diverse first language backgrounds. (3) The interactive effects of input factors and language transfer should be considered. (4) Both production and processing in second language should be emphasized. (5) New methods and techniques should be applied in the research into VACs.

Keywords: usage-based approach; verb-argument constructions (VACs); SLA; frequency

摘要：

近10多年来,基于使用取向的二语习得研究在国际上发展迅速,特别是在动词论元构式研究上尤其如此,但国内同类研究才刚刚起步。为此,本文在阐述基于使用取向二语习得研究主要理论观点的基础上,重点从内容和方法两方面系统梳理了英语动词论元构式的相关研究。研究内容主要包括学习者的构式知识和母语迁移的影响两个方面。研究方法主要包括语料库、实验方法的分别运用与结合运用,以及计算机模拟等。最后,指出了今后动词论元构式习得研究的五个方面,包括：（1）研究输入因素对英语其他动词论元构式习得的影响;（2）研究更多母语背景下动词论元构式习得中的母语迁移;（3）同时考察输入因素和语言迁移的影响;（4）二语产出与二语加工研究并重;（5）创新研究方法。

关键词: 基于使用取向的范式, 动词论元构式, 二语习得, 频率

CLC Number:

H319

Jinting Cai, Jiayi Chen. Usage-based Approaches to Research on VACs in English as an L2[J]. Journal of Beijing International Studies University, 2019, 41(5): 4-17.

蔡金亭, 陈家宜. 基于使用取向的英语动词论元构式二语研究[J]. 北京第二外国语学院学报, 2019, 41(5): 4-17.

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