A Study On English Null Object Acquisition From The Perspective Of Semantics-syntax And Discourse-syntax Interfaces

Interface has received considerable attention among international studies in recent years.And scholars within China have also commenced interface studies on linguistics. Theproposition of Interface Hypothesis contributed to a series of SLA studies, which showedcertain interface properties led to difficulty for L2learners and difficulties in SLA could bebetter explained from interface perspective. This thesis sets out from semantics-syntax anddiscourse-syntax interfaces to elaborate the acquisition of English null object.In this thesis, Error Correction Test was adopted to test the target features. Theexperimental group was comprised of40sophomores majoring in finance from ShandongForeign Trade Vocational College,30sophomores not majoring in English and30second yearpostgraduates majoring in English from Ocean University of China, representing threedifferent levels of proficiency. Thirty native speakers of English constituted the control group.Firstly, scores on discourse-licensed null object sentences, discourse-unlicensed nullobject sentences, and change-of-state sentences were compared and analyzed, then scores ondiscourse-unlicensed sentences, episodic sentences and habitual sentences. The findingsinclude:(1) learners can identify semantic factors. As proficiency evolves, learners undergochanges in determinacy;(2) preliminary learners do not identify discourse factors. But asproficiency is enhanced, discourse is accessible. Learners react differently to sentences withdifferent discourse prominence;(3) the results testify the comparative difficulty in theacquisition of discourse-syntax properties, but can not verify the predictions of ultimateattainment made by Interface Hypothesis.As a comprehensive perspective, interface herein accounts for English null objectacquisition from semantics and discourse view, and provides relevant pedagogical suggestionsfor both teachers and students. The introduction of interface intends to inspire domesticscholars to be more initiative in seeking for and absorbing the latest research points.