Revisiting plurality in SLA: Evidence from comprehension and production

Tania Ionin, Amy Yuiko Atiles, Sea Hee Choi, Chae Eun Lee, Mien Jen Wu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper reports on the production and comprehension of English singular and plural NPs by L2-English learners whose L1, Mandarin Chinese, does not have obligatory plural marking. This study has the following objectives: (1) To systematically investigate both production and comprehension of plural marking with this population; (2) to examine whether learners can become target-like in their production and comprehension of English plural marking with increased proficiency; and (3) to examine whether learners’ performance depends on the available cues to plurality. The results paint a nuanced picture: while overall less accurate than native speakers, learners do show evidence of the English plural marker being integrated into their grammar, and also exhibit improvement with proficiency.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCurrent Perspectives on Generative SLA - Processing, Influence, and Interfaces
Subtitle of host publicationSelected proceedings of the 16th Generative Approaches to Second Language Acquisition Conference
EditorsMarta Velnić, Anne Dahl, Kjersti Faldet Listhaug
PublisherJohn Benjamins Publishing Company
Pages111-133
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9789027246554
ISBN (Print)9789027215864
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Publication series

NameLanguage Acquisition and Language Disorders
Volume70
ISSN (Print)0925-0123

Keywords

  • English
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • noun phrases
  • plural marking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Linguistics and Language
  • Speech and Hearing

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