ERIC Number: EJ1195829
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Dec
Pages: 31
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0023-8333
EISSN: N/A
Generalization of Syntactic Knowledge in Semiartificial Language Learning
Tao, Yan; Williams, John N.
Language Learning, v68 n4 p1001-1031 Dec 2018
A hallmark of grammatical knowledge is the ability to parse novel syntactic structures. Previous artificial language studies have examined learning hierarchical structures, but few have involved meaningful language and shown generalization to novel structures. This study addressed this issue using the semiartificial language paradigm. The experimental group of monolingual English speakers was exposed to singly embedded sentences combining Chinese syntax with English lexis. A novel testing procedure was used where participants made plausibility judgments on grammatical sentences featuring two-level embedding. Only correct application of the rules underlying the training sentences permitted correct discrimination of plausible and implausible sentences. The experimental group performed above chance, an untrained control group performed at chance, and an untrained and unaware Chinese control group showed above-chance performance. Confidence judgments and rule recognition analysis suggested that learning was implicit. We concluded that the experimental group demonstrated structural generalization and might have acquired the syntactic rule system.
Descriptors: Generalization, Syntax, Second Language Learning, Control Groups, Experimental Groups, Grammar, Artificial Languages, English, Chinese, Decision Making, Learning Processes, Monolingualism, Vocabulary, Task Analysis, Language Research
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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