Chapter 9. What counts in the retention of numeral classifiers in Japanese and Chinese?
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Lynne Hansen
Abstract
This study compares L2 acquisition and attrition sequences of the syntax and semantics of numeral classifier systems in light of considerations of markedness, frequency, and the regression hypothesis. In classifier data elicited from adult learners and attriters of two unrelated languages, Japanese and Chinese, both exhibit in the attrition of syntax and semantics, a regression of the acquisition sequence. An implicational semantic scale, the Numeral Classifer Accessibility Hierarchy, coinciding closely with the relative frequencies of the classifiers in input, is examined as a path of least resistance for the learning and loss of the semantic systems.
Abstract
This study compares L2 acquisition and attrition sequences of the syntax and semantics of numeral classifier systems in light of considerations of markedness, frequency, and the regression hypothesis. In classifier data elicited from adult learners and attriters of two unrelated languages, Japanese and Chinese, both exhibit in the attrition of syntax and semantics, a regression of the acquisition sequence. An implicational semantic scale, the Numeral Classifer Accessibility Hierarchy, coinciding closely with the relative frequencies of the classifiers in input, is examined as a path of least resistance for the learning and loss of the semantic systems.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- Foreword ix
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
-
Section I Acquisition of mission languages
- Chapter 2. Language learning and teaching in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 13
- Chapter 3. The development of speaking proficiency of LDS missionaries 29
- Chapter 4. An examination of the effects of input, aptitude, and motivation on the language proficiency of missionaries mearning Japanese as a second language 51
- Chapter 5. In the beginning was the word 89
-
Section II Attrition of mission languages
- Chapter 6. The lost word 111
- Chapter 7. Vocabulary attrition in adult speakers of Spanish as a second language 135
- Chapter 8. Savings in the relearning of mission vocabulary 185
- Chapter 9. What counts in the retention of numeral classifiers in Japanese and Chinese? 203
- Chapter 10. Syntactic attrition in L2 Japanese missionary language 221
- Chapter 11. The measurement of oral fluency in mission languages 245
- Comprehensive bibliography of mission language references: Annotated 259
- Comprehensive bibliography of mission language references: Unannotated 263
- Index 267
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- Foreword ix
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
-
Section I Acquisition of mission languages
- Chapter 2. Language learning and teaching in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 13
- Chapter 3. The development of speaking proficiency of LDS missionaries 29
- Chapter 4. An examination of the effects of input, aptitude, and motivation on the language proficiency of missionaries mearning Japanese as a second language 51
- Chapter 5. In the beginning was the word 89
-
Section II Attrition of mission languages
- Chapter 6. The lost word 111
- Chapter 7. Vocabulary attrition in adult speakers of Spanish as a second language 135
- Chapter 8. Savings in the relearning of mission vocabulary 185
- Chapter 9. What counts in the retention of numeral classifiers in Japanese and Chinese? 203
- Chapter 10. Syntactic attrition in L2 Japanese missionary language 221
- Chapter 11. The measurement of oral fluency in mission languages 245
- Comprehensive bibliography of mission language references: Annotated 259
- Comprehensive bibliography of mission language references: Unannotated 263
- Index 267
