Demonstrative reference as a cohesive device in advanced learner writing: a corpus-based study

Roumiana Blagoeva

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Demonstrative reference as a cohesive device in advanced learner writing: a corpus-based study

In: Advances in Corpus Linguistics

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Roumiana Blagoeva

Roumiana Blagoeva
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 297–307

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004333710_018

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Abstract

This paper discusses the under/overuse of different types of demonstrative reference and their role for the achievement of cohesion in argumentative essays written by advanced Bulgarian learners of English. The use of pro-forms and their place within the total framework of text-forming relations are examined in both native and non-native writing. A comparative approach to the study of learner language is adopted for the investigation of differences between learner and native English writing. These differences shed light on L1- induced and universal features of learner discourse.

The analysis is based on data drawn from the Bulgarian component of the International Corpus of Learner English (BUCICLE), the LOCNESS corpus of native learner writing, a sub-corpus of the BNC, and a corpus of Bulgarian non-learner writing. The frequency of occurrence, the distribution of demonstratives, and their function as reference items in the four corpora are compared and examples of their use are discussed.

Explanations of the phenomena observed are sought in several directions: L1 interference, strategies of teaching/learning, avoidance of certain discourse patterns, and the nature of the text type.

The differences between learner and native speaker English in the frequency and distribution of demonstratives might not directly obstruct communication but it is an indication that there is still much to be done in the development of language skills even at an advanced level of foreign language acquisition. The adoption of a corpus-based approach to the study of learner language can reveal problematic areas in the foreign language and can enable language researchers and language teaching professionals to diagnose the true needs of learners and make appropriate choices of teaching materials and methods.

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Advances in Corpus Linguistics

Papers from the 23rd International Conference on English Language Research on Computerized Corpora (ICAME 23) Göteborg 22-26 May 2002

Series: Language and Computers, Volume: 49

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004333710

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Jan 2004

Subjects
- Languages and Linguistics
  - Applied Linguistics
  - Indo-European Languages

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Demonstrative reference as a cohesive device in advanced learner writing: a corpus-based study

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Citation Info

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Advances in Corpus Linguistics

Papers from the 23rd International Conference on English Language Research on Computerized Corpora (ICAME 23) Göteborg 22-26 May 2002

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