Learning semantic categories of L2 verbs: The case of cutting and breaking verbs.

ABSTRACT: To attain native-like proficiency in second-language word usage, learners have to discover intricate semantic categories in the target language. We investigated the factors influencing the development of two aspects of second-language learners' semantic categories: the category center and category boundary of word meanings. In the experiment, second-language learners of Japanese, whose first language is Mandarin, were asked to produce the best verb for 28 videos depicting various cutting and breaking events. Descriptive analyses were conducted to compare the verb patterns used by second-language learners with those of native speakers. The second-language learners' verb use pattern suggested their struggle in delineating the semantic ranges of breaking verbs in a native-like manner. Model a

SUBMITTER: Saji N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10798537 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature