ERIC Number: EJ950946
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Sep
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0019-042X
The Effects of L2 Proficiency Level on the Processing of "Wh"-Questions among Dutch Second Language Speakers of English
Jackson, Carrie N.; van Hell, Janet G.
International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching (IRAL), v49 n3 p195-219 Sep 2011
Using a self-paced reading task, the present study explores how Dutch-English L2 speakers parse English "wh"-subject-extractions and "wh"-object-extractions. Results suggest that English native speakers and highly-proficient Dutch-English L2 speakers do not always exhibit measurable signs of on-line reanalysis when reading subject-versus object-extractions in English. However, less proficient Dutch-English L2 speakers exhibit greater processing costs on subject-extractions relative to object-extractions, similar to previously reported findings (e.g., Dussias and Pinar, "Second Language Research" 26: 443-472, 2010; Juffs, "Second Language Research" 21: 121-151, 2005; Juffs and Harrington, "Studies in Second Language Acquisition" 17: 482-516, 1995). These findings are discussed in light of relevant research surrounding on-line processing among L2 speakers and their ability to adopt native-like processing patterns in the L2.
Descriptors: Language Research, Second Language Learning, Language Processing, Native Speakers, Indo European Languages, English (Second Language), English, Reading Processes, Task Analysis, Language Proficiency
Walter de Gruyter. P.O. Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172-0960. Tel: 800-208-8144; Tel: 703-661-1589; Fax: 703-661-1501; e-mail: degruytermail@presswarehouse.com; Web site: http://www.degruyter.com/browse?type_0=journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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