Input enhancement improved L2 learners’ production of Chinese classifiers

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of input enhancement on L2 Chinese classifier learning. Two parallel groups of preliminary-level international participants and one group of Chinese native participants were recruited, and the three groups were matched in Chinese writing experience and group size (n = 28). One group of international participants was randomly selected as the experimental group; they read a classifier-enhanced text for 10 min before performing a writing task. The other international group and the native group served as the L2-learner control group and the L1-learner control group, respectively. These two control groups performed the writing task without text reading. Results showed that likely due to the frequent use of 个/ge4/ and the extensive use of novel classifiers, a greater variety of classifiers were used by the experimental group at a greater frequency as compared with the two control groups. However, given the observation that the experimental group tended to avoid using complex classifier forms and similar classifiers, future CSL instruction is suggested to aim for quality acquisition through long-term application of input enhancement integrated with explicit explanation on a language-use basis. This study furthers our understanding of how input enhancement is applicable to the acquisition of a logographic second language.