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Chapter 6. Contextual effects in processing OVS constructions in Spanish

A partial replication of VanPatten and Houston (1998) and Malovrh (2006)
  • Casilde A. Isabelli
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Research on Second Language Processing and Processing Instruction
This chapter is in the book Research on Second Language Processing and Processing Instruction

Abstract

This study investigates the contextual constraint principle in input processing, which states that learners may rely less on a first-noun-as-subject/agent strategy if preceding context constrains the interpretation of a clause or sentence. Second language learners of Spanish (N = 39) completed a sentence interpretation task in which they heard OVS sentences in various context conditions: neutral versus constraining context appearing prior to and after OVS clauses. Results revealed greater accuracy on OVS sentence interpretation when constraining context was available, particularly when it appeared prior to the target OVS clause. The results suggest that first noun reliance is significantly weakened when constraining context is available, and that the contextual constraint principle should be expanded to include context in post target-clause position.

Abstract

This study investigates the contextual constraint principle in input processing, which states that learners may rely less on a first-noun-as-subject/agent strategy if preceding context constrains the interpretation of a clause or sentence. Second language learners of Spanish (N = 39) completed a sentence interpretation task in which they heard OVS sentences in various context conditions: neutral versus constraining context appearing prior to and after OVS clauses. Results revealed greater accuracy on OVS sentence interpretation when constraining context was available, particularly when it appeared prior to the target OVS clause. The results suggest that first noun reliance is significantly weakened when constraining context is available, and that the contextual constraint principle should be expanded to include context in post target-clause position.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Preface and acknowledgements vii
  4. Introduction
  5. Chapter 1. Input processing in second language acquisition 3
  6. Part I. Research on sentence processing
  7. Chapter 2. The processing of case in intermediate L2 Spanish 27
  8. Chapter 3. The processing of subject shifts in L2 Spanish 53
  9. Chapter 4. When more is better 125
  10. Part II. Research and perspectives on VanPatten’s model of input processing
  11. Chapter 5. VanPatten (1990)’s long and winding story and the nature of replication studies 153
  12. Chapter 6. Contextual effects in processing OVS constructions in Spanish 183
  13. Chapter 7. Multilevel input processing 201
  14. Part III. Research and perspectives on processing instruction
  15. Chapter 8. Trials-to-criterion as a methodological option to measure language processing in processing instruction 235
  16. Chapter 9. PI and the French causative and passive constructions 261
  17. Chapter 10. Why does processing instruction work? 295
  18. Conclusion
  19. Chapter 11. Online methods in research on input processing and processing instruction 327
  20. Index 357
https://doi.org/10.1075/sibil.62.06isa

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Preface and acknowledgements vii
  4. Introduction
  5. Chapter 1. Input processing in second language acquisition 3
  6. Part I. Research on sentence processing
  7. Chapter 2. The processing of case in intermediate L2 Spanish 27
  8. Chapter 3. The processing of subject shifts in L2 Spanish 53
  9. Chapter 4. When more is better 125
  10. Part II. Research and perspectives on VanPatten’s model of input processing
  11. Chapter 5. VanPatten (1990)’s long and winding story and the nature of replication studies 153
  12. Chapter 6. Contextual effects in processing OVS constructions in Spanish 183
  13. Chapter 7. Multilevel input processing 201
  14. Part III. Research and perspectives on processing instruction
  15. Chapter 8. Trials-to-criterion as a methodological option to measure language processing in processing instruction 235
  16. Chapter 9. PI and the French causative and passive constructions 261
  17. Chapter 10. Why does processing instruction work? 295
  18. Conclusion
  19. Chapter 11. Online methods in research on input processing and processing instruction 327
  20. Index 357
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