The Development of Formulaic Knowledge in Super-Advanced Chinese Language Learners: Evidence From Processing Accuracy, Speed, and Strategies

Abstract

The study examined the development of Chinese as a second language learners’ formulaic knowledge through comparing the processing of Chinese idioms versus non-idiomatic formulaic sequences (FSs) by advanced-level learners (ALs), super-advanced learners (SLs), and native speakers (NSs). Using two phrase acceptability judgment tasks with and without think-aloud protocols, we collected data on participants’ processing accuracy, processing speed, and processing strategies of reading the two types of FSs. Four processing patterns emerged from the analyses of the datasets. First, learners’ processing accuracy and speed increased along with their proficiency. Second, learners’ idiom processing ability was generally lower than that of non-idiom processing ability, but they demonstrated an improving trend as their proficiency level increased. Third, learners’ use of processing strategies did not change much as proficiency rose and demonstrated a categorical difference from NSs. Fourth, all three groups exhibited poorer productive idiom knowledge than productive non-idiom knowledge. The overall findings denote that second language learners’ formulaic knowledge can evolve beyond the lexical plateau as learners move from the advanced to a higher proficiency level, but the productive idiom knowledge can be a long-term problem. The findings provide implications for measuring and teaching Chinese formulaic knowledge at the higher-than-advanced stage.

Comprehending of the 2018-2020 New Chinese Vocabulary among International Students in China

“…Studying the use of these words can help non-native learners become familiar with the language and improve their communication skills with native speakers. It is believed that new online vocabulary is of great significance to international students with intermediate and advanced levels of Chinese(Zheng et al, 2022) Intermediate and advanced learners already have a certain accumulation of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge and are satisfied with their understanding of new Chinese vocabulary and their application in Chinese culture and social life.…”