Japanese EFL Learners' On-line Sensitivity to Subject-verb Number Dis/agreement in English

摘要

This study examined Japanese EFL learners' on-line sensitivity to a L2 English property that is not found in their L1 Japanese: subject-verb number agreement. A self-paced reading experiment demonstrated that they were more sensitive to number dis/agreement when the singular subject was followed by the plural verb than when the plural subject was followed by the singular verb. Furthermore, a follow-up experiment suggested a possibility of proficiency effects on L2 sensitivity. We discuss two possible points of view for the reason why an asymmetrical L2 sensitivity was observed; from the viewpoint of the subject and from the perspective of the following verb.