1887
  1. Home
  2. e-Journals
  3. Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism
  4. Volume 14, Issue 6
  5. Article
Volume 14, Issue 6
  • ISSN 1879-9264
  • E-ISSN: 1879-9272
USD
Buy:$35.00 + Taxes

Abstract

Abstract

A substantial body of research has investigated null arguments in L2 Chinese, showing that they can be native-like. However, recent linguistic research has demonstrated convincingly that some ‘missing’ arguments in Chinese should be viewed not as ‘null’ arguments but as a result of movement and ellipsis. These advances necessitate a revaluation of the issue of ‘null’ arguments in previous L2 studies which largely overlooked the role of ellipsis in accounting for missing arguments in L2 Chinese. To fill the lacuna, this study recognises the above recent advances and examines whether missing objects in English speakers’ L2 Chinese parallel sentences are a result of verb raising and VP ellipsis and are genuinely native-like. Results of a picture-description task and an acceptability judgement task suggest that although L2ers, like native Chinese speakers, can accept and produce missing objects in Chinese, their native-like performance is driven by mechanisms different from those of native Chinese speakers (i.e., the missing objects are erroneously used as null objects in L2 Chinese). The findings advance our understanding of L1 vs. L2 different mechanisms for phonetically unrealised objects in Chinese, suggesting that what looks native-like in L2 may not necessarily be native-like.

© John Benjamins Publishing Company
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1075/lab.22090.xu
2023-09-14
2025-06-13

  • From This Site

    /content/journals/10.1075/lab.22090.xu
    dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword
    -contentType:Journal -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution
    10
    5
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Adger, D.
    (2003) Core syntax: A minimalist approach. Oxford University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  2. Barr, D. J., Levy, R., Scheepers, C., & Tily, H. J.
    (2013) Random effects structure for confirmatory hypothesis testing: Keep it maximal. Journal of Memory and Language, 68(3), 255–278. 10.1016/j.jml.2012.11.001
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2012.11.001 [Google Scholar]
  3. Chang, H., & Zheng, L.
    (2018) Asymmetries of null subjects and null objects in L1-English and L1-Japanese learners’ Chinese. Linguistics, 56(5), 1141–1166. 10.1515/ling‑2018‑0021
     https://doi.org/10.1515/ling-2018-0021 [Google Scholar]
  4. Cole, P.
    (1987) Null object in Universal Grammar. Linguistic Inquiry, 18(4).
     [Google Scholar]
  5. Cunnings, I.
    (2017) Parsing and Working Memory in Bilingual Sentence Processing. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 20(4), 659–678. 10.1017/S1366728916000675
     https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728916000675 [Google Scholar]
  6. Guo, Y., & Yuan, B.
    (2020) Facilitative transfer only?: L3 acquisition of Mandarin sentence-final particle clusters by English-Cantonese bilinguals. Journal of Second Language Studies, 3(2), 261–289. 10.1075/jsls.00013.guo
     https://doi.org/10.1075/jsls.00013.guo [Google Scholar]
  7. (2021) Asymmetric transfer and development of temporal-aspectual sentence-final particles in English-Cantonese bilinguals’ L3 Mandarin grammars. Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism. 10.1075/lab.20116.guo
     https://doi.org/10.1075/lab.20116.guo [Google Scholar]
  8. Hartsuiker, R. J., Pickering, M. J., & Veltkamp, E.
    (2004) Is Syntax Separate or Shared Between Languages?: Cross-Linguistic Syntactic Priming in Spanish-English Bilinguals. Psychological Science, 15(6), 409–414. 10.1111/j.0956‑7976.2004.00693.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0956-7976.2004.00693.x [Google Scholar]
  9. Holmberg, A.
    (2015) The syntax of yes and no. Oxford University Press. 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198701859.001.0001
     https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198701859.001.0001 [Google Scholar]
  10. Huang, C.-T. J.
    (1984) On the Distribution and Reference of Empty Pronouns. Linguistic Inquiry, 15(4), 531–574.
     [Google Scholar]
  11. (1991) Remarks on the status of the null object. InFreidin, R. (Ed.), Principles and parameters in comparative grammar (pp.56–76). MIT Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  12. Jackson, C. N., & Ruf, H. T.
    (2017) The priming of word order in second language German. Applied Psycholinguistics, 38(2), 315–345. 10.1017/S0142716416000205
     https://doi.org/10.1017/S0142716416000205 [Google Scholar]
  13. Jin, H.
    (1994) Topic-prominence and subject-prominence in L2 acquisition: Evidence of English-to-Chinese typological transfer. Language Learning, 44(1), 101–122.
     [Google Scholar]
  14. Johnson, K.
    (2001) What VP ellipsis can do, and what it can’t, but not why. InM. Baltin & C. Collins (Eds.), The Handbook of Contemporary Syntactic Theory (pp.439–479). Blackwell Publishers Ltd. 10.1002/9780470756416.ch14
     https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470756416.ch14 [Google Scholar]
  15. Juffs, A., & Harrington, M.
    (2011) Aspects of working memory in L2 learning. Language Teaching, 44(2), 137–166. 10.1017/S0261444810000509
     https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444810000509 [Google Scholar]
  16. Kong, S.
    (2007) English Speakers and the Asymmetrical Matrix-Embedded Null Subjects in L2 Chinese. Concentric: Studies in Linguistics, 33(2), 23–52.
     [Google Scholar]
  17. Li, C. N., & Thompson, S. A.
    (1976) Subject and Topic: A New Typology of Language in Subject and Topic. InC. N. Li (Ed.), Subject and Topic (pp.457–489). Academic Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  18. Li, H.-J. G.
    (2002) Ellipsis constructions in Chinese. [Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation]. University of Southern California.
  19. Li, X.
    (2014) Variation in subject pronominal expression in L2 Chinese. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 36(1), 39–68. 10.1017/S0272263113000466
     https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263113000466 [Google Scholar]
  20. Li, Y.-H. A.
    (2014) Born empty. Lingua, 1511, 43–68. 10.1016/j.lingua.2013.10.013
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lingua.2013.10.013 [Google Scholar]
  21. Liddell, T. M., & Kruschke, J. K.
    (2018) Analyzing ordinal data with metric models: What could possibly go wrong?Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 791, 328–348. 10.1016/j.jesp.2018.08.009
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2018.08.009 [Google Scholar]
  22. Linck, J. A., & Cunnings, I.
    (2015) The Utility and Application of Mixed-Effects Models in Second Language Research: Mixed-Effects Models. Language Learning, 65(S1), 185–207. 10.1111/lang.12117
     https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12117 [Google Scholar]
  23. Liu, C.-M.
    (2014) A Modular Theory of Radical Pro Drop [Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation]. Harvard University.
  24. Lobeck, A.
    (1995) Ellipsis: Functional Heads, Licensing, and Identification. Oxford University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  25. McDonald, J. L.
    (2006) Beyond the critical period: Processing-based explanations for poor grammaticality judgment performance by late second language learners. Journal of Memory and Language, 55(3), 381–401. 10.1016/j.jml.2006.06.006
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2006.06.006 [Google Scholar]
  26. Merchant, J.
    (2001) The syntax of silence: Sluicing, islands, and the theory of ellipsis. University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  27. (2013) Voice and Ellipsis. Linguistic Inquiry, 44(1), 77–108. 10.1162/LING_a_00120
     https://doi.org/10.1162/LING_a_00120 [Google Scholar]
  28. Polio, C.
    (1995) Acquiring Nothing?: The Use of Zero Pronouns by Nonnative Speakers of Chinese and the Implications for the Acquisition of Nominal Reference. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 17(3), 353–377. 10.1017/S0272263100014248
     https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263100014248 [Google Scholar]
  29. Shi, D.
    (1992) The nature of topic comment constructions and topic chains [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Southern California.
  30. Simpson, A.
    (2014) Verbal answers to yes/no question. InA. Li, A. Simpson, & D. Tsai (Eds.), Chinese syntax in a cross-linguistic perspective (pp.300–333). Oxford Studies in Comparative. 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199945658.003.0012
     https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199945658.003.0012 [Google Scholar]
  31. Sorace, A., & Serratrice, L.
    (2009) Internal and external interfaces in bilingual language development: Beyond structural overlap. International Journal of Bilingualism, 13(2), 195–210. 10.1177/1367006909339810
     https://doi.org/10.1177/1367006909339810 [Google Scholar]
  32. Sun, P. P., & Zhang, L. J.
    (2023) Speech competence and speech performance: A dual approach to understanding chinese-as-a-second-language learners’ speech production ability. Journal of Second Language Studies, 6(1), 119–145. 10.1075/jsls.22002.jun
     https://doi.org/10.1075/jsls.22002.jun [Google Scholar]
  33. Ullman, M. T.
    (2001) The neural basis of lexicon and grammar in first and second language: The declarative/procedural model. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 4(2), 105–122. 10.1017/S1366728901000220
     https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728901000220 [Google Scholar]
  34. Wang, Q., Lillo-Martin, D., Best, C. T., & Levitt, A.
    (1992) Null Subject Versus Null Object: Some Evidence From the Acquisition of Chinese and English. Language Acquisition, 2(3), 221–254. 10.1207/s15327817la0203_2
     https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327817la0203_2 [Google Scholar]
  35. White, L.
    (1985) The “Pro-Drop” Parameter in Adult Second Language Acquisition. Language Learning, 35(1), 47–61. 10.1111/j.1467‑1770.1985.tb01014.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-1770.1985.tb01014.x [Google Scholar]
  36. Xu, L.
    (1986) Free Empty Category. Linguistic Inquiry, 17(1), 75–93.
     [Google Scholar]
  37. Xu, L., & Yuan, B.
    (2022) Dependency resolutions of null and overt subjects in English speakers’ L2 Chinese: Evidence for the cue-based model. Second Language Research. 10.1177/02676583221135189
     https://doi.org/10.1177/02676583221135189 [Google Scholar]
  38. Yang, C. D.
    (2002) Knowledge and Learning in Natural Language. Oxford University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Yang, J.
    (Ed.) (2006) Chinese Course Level 1 (2nd Edition, Vol.2A1). Beijing Language and Culture University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  40. Yuan, B.
    (1993) Directionality of difficulty in second language acquisition of Chinese and English. [Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation]. University of Edinburgh
  41. Yuan, B., & Zhang, L.
    (2020) An incremental model of second language speech production mechanisms: Developmental evidence from object ellipsis in second language Chinese speech production. International Journal of Bilingualism, 24(4), 783–810. 10.1177/1367006919886666
     https://doi.org/10.1177/1367006919886666 [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1075/lab.22090.xu
Loading
What looks native-like may not necessarily be native-like
Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism 14, 856 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1075/lab.22090.xu
/content/journals/10.1075/lab.22090.xu
/content/journals/10.1075/lab.22090.xu
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): ellipsis; Mandarin; null arguments; second language acquisition

Most Cited

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was successful
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error