Naslov
Young Language Learners’ Use of Discourse Markers in L2 Narratives

Autori
Jakupčević, Eva

Izvornik
English teaching & learning (1023-7267) 43 (2019), 4; 411-428

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
young language learners ; discourse markers ; pragmatic competence

Sažetak
Young language learners’ (YLLs) use of discourse markers (DMs) has been largely neglected in studies of ESL learners, despite the importance of DMs for coherent speech and conversation management. The present study aims to fill this gap by investigating the use of DMs by YLLs of English in Croatia. The performances of sixteen YLLs aged 10–11 in picture-based narrative tasks were analysed focusing on DM use in context. The results demonstrated that the YLLs use DMs to structure their narrative, although they employ a very limited range of DMs, ignoring some common ones. No significant correlation was found between the YLLs’ proficiency, attitudes towards English, and exposure to English and their DM use. The qualitative analysis showed that the YLLs use DMs correctly and strategically, which points to their awareness of the pragmatic characteristics of DMs and the developmental potential for the acquisition of a wider range of these units.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Filologija

POVEZANOST RADA