An investigation of second language learners' ability to resolve Anaphora in texts

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Teaching English as a Second Language

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

1991

Author dc:creator

• Yerkovic, Maria Eugenia Boudeguer

Contributors dc:contributor

• Cowan, Ron

• Teaching English as Second Language
• Anaphora resolution ESL learners
• Proficiency levels Vocabulary and anaphoric ties

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright owned by the author.

Language dc:language

eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125932

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/125932