The present study investigates third language (L3) learners’ processing of Chinese subject and object relative clauses in a supportive context. Using a self-paced reading task, we tested native Italian L3 learners of Mandarin Chinese and native Chinese speakers. The results showed that the L3 learners read significantly more slowly than the native speakers in all the target regions. Also, in the head noun region, they read object relative clauses significantly more slowly compared to subject relative clauses, indicating a preference for the latter. By contrast, for the native speakers, no significant differences were observed between subject and object relative clauses in any of the target regions. The L3 learners’ performance offers support for the Structural Distance Hypothesis over the Dependency Locality Theory, and the contrast between the two populations indicates that context is at play in the processing of relative clauses.

Hu, S., Toneatto, C., Guasti, M., Pozzi, S. (2022). Processing Chinese relative clauses in context by Italian L3 learners. SECOND LANGUAGE RESEARCH, 38(4 (October 2022)), 893-912 [10.1177/02676583211002607].

Processing Chinese relative clauses in context by Italian L3 learners

Shenai Hu
;
Toneatto C.;Guasti M. T.;Pozzi S.
2022

Abstract

The present study investigates third language (L3) learners’ processing of Chinese subject and object relative clauses in a supportive context. Using a self-paced reading task, we tested native Italian L3 learners of Mandarin Chinese and native Chinese speakers. The results showed that the L3 learners read significantly more slowly than the native speakers in all the target regions. Also, in the head noun region, they read object relative clauses significantly more slowly compared to subject relative clauses, indicating a preference for the latter. By contrast, for the native speakers, no significant differences were observed between subject and object relative clauses in any of the target regions. The L3 learners’ performance offers support for the Structural Distance Hypothesis over the Dependency Locality Theory, and the contrast between the two populations indicates that context is at play in the processing of relative clauses.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
Chinese relative clauses; context; the subject/object asymmetry; third language processing; word order;
English
3-apr-2021
2022
38
4 (October 2022)
893
912
reserved
Hu, S., Toneatto, C., Guasti, M., Pozzi, S. (2022). Processing Chinese relative clauses in context by Italian L3 learners. SECOND LANGUAGE RESEARCH, 38(4 (October 2022)), 893-912 [10.1177/02676583211002607].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/310506
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