关键词: 空宾语, 接口, 二语习得

Abstract:

The present study,within the framework of interface between discourse,semantics and syntax,investigates the acquisition of English null object construction by Chinese learners of English.90 Chinese learners of English at three proficiency levels and 24 native speakers of English participated in the study.An Error Correction Task (ECT) was developed to elicit L2 learner behavior.The results reveal that the subjects were more inclined to accept null object sentences compatible with the discourse and semantic constraints than those violating these constraints,and that they were more inclined to accept habitual sentences than episodic sentences.Based on the above observation four conclusions are drawn.First,L2 acquisition of English null object construction does not merely suggest acquisition of its syntactic properties.It also entails acquisition of its discourse and semantic constraints.Second,discourse prominence is a hierarchical notion and different degree of discourse prominence exerts different impact upon L2 learner behavior.Third,L2 acquisition of English null object construction is an incremental process in which semantic and discourse factors play a differential role upon learners with different English proficiency.And finally,the asymmetry in L2 acquisition of English null subjects and null objects is partially due to the asymmetrical distribution of null subject and null object in L2 positive input.