Attention and L2 learners' segmentation of complex sentences

摘要: The main objective of the current study is to investigate L2 Japanese learners’ ability segment complex sentences from aural input. Elementaryand early intermediate-level learners in general have not developed use syntactic cues interpret meaning they hear. In case Japanese, recognition inflectional morphemes crucial for accurate segmentation sentences, as signal end each clause. However, was found be challenging low-proficiency because are often fused natural speech; thus, low salience. To assist finding meaningful chunks, namely clauses within a sentence, attempted focus their attention on During experiment, were asked repeat accurately possible. Half stimuli accompanied by pictures that corresponded activities described sentences. hypothesized visualized chunks would reduce cognitive load and enable them pay closer elements; reconstruct better with pictorial information support. It also elements salience account receptive proficiency. results revealed reconstruction improved significantly support chunks. it became evident an morpheme which had been fully exposed class did improve Such tendency particularly obvious when located sentenceinternal position. Additionally, declined devoid communicative value. terms