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Article published In: International Journal of Learner Corpus Research
Vol. 3:1 (2017) ► pp.36–60

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The distribution of reflexive intensifiers in learner English

 | Vienna University of Economics and Business
Published online: 6 June 2017
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https://doi.org/10.1075/ijlcr.3.1.02ran
Abstract
This study investigates the use of reflexive intensifiers by L1 German-speaking learners of L2 English against the background of previous research which has identified non-target-like distribution of such features which are sensitive to discourse constraints and/or register variation. Occurrences of intensified NPs are compared between the Louvain Corpus of Native English Essays and the German component of the International Corpus of Learner English. In line with previous research, it is found that learners overuse this lexico-grammatical means of information highlighting. However, there is only significant overuse of a specific sub-type of intensifier, the inclusive adverbial intensifier. These results are discussed in terms of (i) general learnability considerations which may account for learners’ problems in mastering the use of register-sensitive information-structural patterns, and (ii) pedagogical issues which arise in connection with addressing residual non-target performance in written production beyond the stage at which target properties of lexico-grammar have generally been acquired.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Information structure and genre in advanced L2 writing
  • 3.Reflexive intensifiers in English
  • 4.Method and materials
  • 5.Results
    • 5.1Distribution and use of adnominal intensifiers
    • 5.2Distribution and usage of exclusive AVS
    • 5.3Distribution and usage of inclusive AVS
  • 6.Discussion and conclusion
    • 6.1Accounting for overuse of reflexive intensifiers
    • 6.2Reflexive intensifiers and issues of learning and teaching
    • 6.3Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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