An investigation of second language learners' ability to resolve Anaphora in texts
Yerkovic, Maria Eugenia Boudeguer
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125932
Description
Title
An investigation of second language learners' ability to resolve Anaphora in texts
Author(s)
Yerkovic, Maria Eugenia Boudeguer
Issue Date
1991
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Cowan, Ron
Department of Study
Linguistics
Discipline
Teaching English as a Second Language
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
Teaching English as Second Language
Anaphora resolution
ESL learners
Proficiency levels Vocabulary and anaphoric ties
Language
eng
Abstract
This study investigated the resolution of anaphora by adult ESL learners of different proficiency levels. Two reading tests were given containing several common pro-forms. These represented two types of anaphora, NP and VP, in two conditions, context and no context. NP anaphora was presented in two conditions, near and distant. VP anaphora also had two conditions depending on the location of the pronoun with respect to its antecedent: forward and backward. The influence of vocabulary was also examined. Within the same study, the performance of four language groups was compared in order to check current hypotheses about directionality preference. The results of the study revealed that context did not facilitate resolution of anaphora; that distance was a significant factor, and that backward anaphora was definitely more difficult than forward anaphora. Therefore, the forward preference hypothesis is supported. Also, the results indicated that NP anaphora was easier than VP anaphora, and vocabulary was a significant factor in resolving anaphoric ties. Some implications for future research and teaching of English as a second language are discussed.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
