A Dynamic Perspective On The Acquisition Of Mandarin Chinese Classifiers: A Case Study

This thesis is a case study in the field of Second Language Acquisition. It was conducted under the framework of Dynamic Systems Theory (DST), a theory newly introduced into the investigation of language acquisition and development. This theory proposes that any dynamic system, including language acquisition and development, is sensitive to the initial condition. This study investigated the effect of different initial states on the acquisition of Mandarin Chinese classifiers. Since it was a case study, the subjects were limited to 2 people. The subjects were carefully selected as to reflect different initial states. For the purpose of comparison, this study also included a self investigation on the researcher herself and some native Chinese speakers were also invited to participate in the research. The data were collected through periodical compositions for one academic semester and were then submitted to statistical analysis in order to arrive at graphical representation of the variability in the developmental process.The result of the study was presented in tables and graphs so that it is easier to see the developmental patterns of each subject followed by a detailed discussion of the findings of this case study. From this discussion, it was concluded that the hypothesis proposed in the first chapter was supported. Subjects of different initial states, indeed, show different developmental patterns. However, the effect of L1 strange attractors is not much in constraining the acquisition of Mandarin Chinese classifiers. The variation along the developmental process is mostly due to the increase in proficiency level.To conclude the study, some major findings in this case study were listed. Limitations of the current study as well as recommendations for future research on the related issues were also pointed out.