Relative clauses in advanced EFL writing: A corpus-based study on the influence of a first language
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2018-08-25
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en
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Abstract
This study explores if traces of linguistic divergence in the use of relative clauses (RCs) can
be found in English learner language. RCs have been subjected to a considerable amount of
research on language acquisition. They are structurally complex and prevalent within and
across languages, making them an interesting object of study. However, little non-elicited
research has been conducted on second language acquisition of RCs. This study explores the
use of RC constructions in large corpora by highly proficient Dutch and Czech EFL learners.
Interlanguage phenomena are revealed by quantitative contrastive interlanguage analysis of
the nonnative varieties and native English as a reference (L1 vs. L2). Furthermore, the
typologically different L1 backgrounds of the learners form a prefect testing environment to
investigate if the interlanguage can be attributed to interference from an L1 or if it is
developmental in nature (L2 vs. L2). The results reveal instances of quantitative divergent
interlanguage phenomena in the nonnative writing characterized by an interplay between L1
transfer and developmental factors.
Key words: relative clauses, EFL writing, interlanguage, L1 transfer, pragmalinguistic
transfer, developmental errors, ICLE, fossilization
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