Researching Language Output As An Active Part In Sla

The present study investigates the role of output in second language acquisition through the task-based approach. It is a controversial issue whether output is the result of acquisition or the cause of acquisition and whether output process is related to learning process. There exist abundant findings about the roles of noticing, memory, input, representation system, and skill acquisition within cognitive framework. Yet few have been found about the role of output. Skehan's (1999) cognitive approach to language learning has integrated the findings in the cognitive framework with accountability and operationalizability, but denies the role of output in second language acquisition. On the other hand, Swain (1985, 1993, 1995, 1998) proposes the"output hypothesis"which claims that producing language serves second language acquisition in several ways. Yet it is unknown how output interact with other cognitive systems, and what are the psycholinguistic mechanisms underlying the interlanguage change during output. The present study makes an attempt to address the role of output in cognitive framework. It aims to find out whether production tasks promote the acquisition of new language forms and language performance of the learner, and how output processes relate to language learning and cognitive development of the learner. Specifically, five questions are addressed in this study:1. Do output activities promote the acquisition of new words? What conditions lead to acquisition of new words in output tasks?2. Do learners of production tasks produce better overall language performance than learners of comprehension tasks?3. As learners produce their L2, do they involve themselves in elaborate process/restructuring? In other words, does producing the L2 lead to the cognitive processes which are necessary for acquisition on the part of the learner?4. Do learners of production tasks display better cognitive skills than those of comprehension tasks?5. What is the status of output tasks in English curricula in China? Has adequate attention been paid to output tasks in implementation of the curricula?The present study used a combination of 2 experiments, 4 think-aloud protocols and...