Processability Theory and Its Application in the Acquisition of L2 Chinese

doi:10.12002/j.bisu.459

Abstract

Abstract:

Processability theory has undergone more than 20 years of development since 1998. Although it is one of the most influential theoretical models that explains the general laws and processes of second language (L2) acquisition, it has not yet received sufficient attention in China. This study first introduces lexical-functional grammar as the theoretical basis of processability theory, followed by the development process and main content, including the development stages, processing procedures, and the conditions of language transfer. A review and an evaluation of its application in the acquisition of L2 Chinese is then presented. The advantages and disadvantages of processability theory are then discussed. Processability theory focuses on the operating mechanisms for language processing and language ability in the brain, but predicting the developmental sequence of L2 acquisition via processability theory is not sufficient, as it minimizes the role of L1 transfer and does not consider the impact of semantic information on defining the stage of syntactic structure. Finally, the development trends of processability theory are discussed, and some directions for future research are suggested.

Keywords: processability theory; language processing; L2 Chinese; L2 acquisition; L1 transfer; interlanguage

摘要：

自1998年以来，历经二十多年的发展，“可加工性理论”成为二语习得领域影响较大的理论模式之一，用于阐释第二语言习得的普遍规律和习得过程，但在国内仍未引起足够的重视。本文首先介绍了“可加工性理论”的理论基础“词汇—函项语法”，阐述了该理论的发展历程和主要内容，包括第二语言的发展途径、语言加工的程序、语言迁移发生的条件等；其次回顾并评析了该理论在汉语二语习得中的应用；接着探讨了“可加工性理论”的优势与不足：“可加工性理论”关注语言加工的运行机制和大脑的语言能力，但只是通过可加工性预测二语习得顺序是不够的，并且该理论弱化了母语迁移的作用，没有考虑语义信息对界定句法结构所处阶段的影响。最后，笔者列出了“可加工性理论”的一些发展趋势，以期为未来研究提供参考和借鉴。

关键词: 可加工性理论, 语言加工, 汉语二语, 二语习得, 母语迁移, 中介语

CLC Number:

H319

Hu Lina, Chang Hui. Processability Theory and Its Application in the Acquisition of L2 Chinese[J]. Journal of Beijing International Studies University, 2023, 45(3): 151-163.

胡丽娜, 常辉. “可加工性理论”及其在汉语二语习得中的应用[J]. 北京第二外国语学院学报, 2023, 45(3): 151-163.

Figures/Tables 2

References 40

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加工程序	信息交换	形态特点	句法结构
5. 从属句程序	句子之间	（无）	“被”字句、“把”字句
4. 句子程序	短语之间	关系从句“的”	宾语移位作话题的话题结构
3. 短语程序	短语内部	量词、“-得”	附加语或主语移位作话题的话题结构
2. 语类程序	语类内部	“-的”“在”“过”	SV（O）、陈述句、疑问句
1. 词条提取	没有交换	单个词或成分	习惯表达

加工程序	信息交换	形态特点	句法结构
5. 从属句程序	句子之间	（无）	“被”字句、“把”字句
4. 句子程序	短语之间	关系从句“的”	宾语移位作话题的话题结构
3. 短语程序	短语内部	量词、“-得”	附加语或主语移位作话题的话题结构
2. 语类程序	语类内部	“-的”“在”“过”	SV（O）、陈述句、疑问句
1. 词条提取	没有交换	单个词或成分	习惯表达