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In:Quantitative Methods in Multilingual Acquisition and Processing
Edited by Gabrielle Klassen and John W. Schwieter
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 16] 2026
► pp. 81–102

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Chapter 5
Using offline methods to probe underlying grammatical representations

Published online: 26 March 2026
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https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.16.05kla
Abstract
In this chapter I provide an overview of offline research on second language (L2) and bi/multilingual acquisition and processing of grammatical representations, specifically syntax and morphology. I provide examples of offline methods employed in these areas, divided into research on comprehension and production methods. I discuss methods for eliciting comprehension and production with various levels of awareness available to the participant and the implications that participant awareness may have for conclusions about language representations. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed in each section. I present how offline tasks continue to be useful in tandem with online studies and discuss the practical details of creating a balanced design.
Article outline
  • 5.1Introduction
  • 5.2L2 representations and the interlanguage
  • 5.3Comprehension and production
    • 5.3.1Comprehension tasks
    • 5.3.2Production elicitation methods
  • 5.4Offline studies alongside online studies
  • 5.5Experimental design considerations
  • 5.6Conclusion
  • Note
  • References
References (46)
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