Shusaku Nakayama (Osaka University of Economics and Law, Japan)
Abstract
In this study, I investigated the use of modal auxiliary verbs by Japanese learners using the contrastive interlanguage analysis (CIA) approach. Traditionally, CIA evaluates interlanguages against native speaker language. However, given the increasing role of English as a lingua franca and the potential for CIA to negatively bias interlanguage assessment, recent research has questioned the suitability of native speaker language as the sole norm. In this study, I addressed this issue by comparing Japanese learners' language use to both native and proficient non-native speakers. Results showed that the over- and underuse of modal auxiliary verbs by Japanese learners varied depending on which reference point I adopted, suggesting that the exclusive reliance on native speaker language as a reference point can lead one to underestimate interlanguages. Hence, I conclude the inclusion of another language group besides native speakers into reference points can potentially offer a more appropriate evaluation of interlanguages.
Research (Video, 25 minutes)
Applied Linguistics / Second Language Acquisition
Primarily of interest to teachers of secondary students
About the Presenter
Shusaku Nakayama is an assistant professor at Osaka University of Economics and Law. He has been teaching English as a foreign language for around 10 years in Japan. His research interests include textbook analysis, vocabulary analysis, and interlanguage analysis.
