Dissertation > Excellent graduate degree dissertation topics show

A Corpus-based Analysis of Use of But and However by Chinese Learners of English in Their Argumentative Writings

Author: PanZuo
Tutor: YuHongLiang
School: Yangzhou University
Course: English Language and Literature
Keywords: but however the use Chinese English learners Corpus Writing skills
CLC: H319
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2010
Downloads: 191
Quote: 0
Read: Download Dissertation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of non-English majors in contrast conjunctions in its argumentative but, however the characteristics, reference to the use of the characteristics of native argumentative but, however, focus on exploring learners but, however misuse, excessive or too less usage in performance between the different levels of learners. 3) on the characteristics of the learners to use but with however a specific answer three questions: 1) use but however the general characteristics of non-English majors in China how? 2) learners of different writing skills but however, irrespective of the differences? their writing ability with or without significant predictive power? take this research corpus stems from the sub's St4 Chinese Learner English Corpus CLEC library, pick out from a higher level of English language learners test outside six argumentative, in accordance with the six test writing score is divided into high and low packet. Reference corpus from the United States the Lang Man English native the learner corpus LOCNESS in the student argumentative. Statistics and comparative analysis, the following major findings: First, the frequency statistical results showed that the reference to native speakers but however use characteristics, Chinese learners in English argumentative text tend to over-use but, however to use too little. But and however, learning caught bias for sentence initial position. The above characteristics of Chinese learners habits sentence conjunctions to organize relatively simple sentences, to ensure that there will not be a serious error in the writing test. In other words, their writing has a certain degree of colloquial tendency. Study found that Chinese students misuse but and however, be attributed to two things: First, the interference by the mother-tongue English learners in China, such as the misuse of the \to grasp, but the misuse, the Written but and however mix. Second, the chi-square test results show that the high and low packet but use frequency and mistakenly spend significantly different, that is, relative to the high packet, the low packet overuse and misuse but this can explain to some extent, the level of The packet writing level difference between the groups is reflected in the mastery of syntactic knowledge and writing learner's written language awareness. It also verified the above but mistakenly used written language but and however mixed conclusions. Interestingly, the high group and low group however no significant differences in the frequency, but tend to the first sentence in the use position, indicating that learners prefer to use relatively simple vocabulary to ensure the stability of the achievements in the writing test. Third, correlation analysis, but however the frequency of use and the learners writing scores showed a negative correlation. Multiple regression analysis showed, but the misuse of learners writing scores have significant predictive power, but excessive use has a certain predictability, but did not reach a significant level, which may however too little use due. The results verify the above conclusion, that learners writing skills learners vocabulary grammar mastery of knowledge and the ability to use a certain extent reflects relatively weak. The results of this study three inspirations: 1) English teachers in the teaching of writing should not only focus on the meaning of the expression, but also to focus on the accuracy of the forms of teaching. 2) synonyms teaching should not only stay in the usage of words, should be to expand the discourse level. 3) learners use some common little words can be a reflection of the level of their writing. Therefore, teachers are concerned about an area commonly used words in writing to the point, a comprehensive understanding of the students' writing skills, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the teaching of writing.

A Corpus-based Analysis of Use of But and However by Chinese Learners of English in Their Argumentative Writings

Abstract

Related Dissertations