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INTERROGATIVE CHUNKS IN FRENCH L2

A Basis for Creative Construction?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 1999

Florence Myles
Affiliation:
University of Southampton
Rosamond Mitchell
Affiliation:
University of Southampton
Janet Hooper
Affiliation:
University of Southampton

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between formulaic language and creative construction in SLA by examining the production of interrogatives in an extensive naturalistic corpus of L2 French produced by early classroom learners. The paper first analyzes the production and breakdown of such formulaic language over time, before exploring the development of more creative structures. The interaction between the two processes “rote learning of formulas and creative construction” is then investigated. This interaction is shown to be a dynamic two-way process, with learners being driven forward in the development of their L2 system by their attempts to resolve the tension between structurally complex but communicatively rich formulas on the one hand, and structurally simple but communicatively inadequate creative structures on the other hand.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1999 Cambridge University Press

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