An Analysis on Chinese EFL Learners’ Understanding of “Direct Object/Subject” Garden Path Sentences

Abstract

The current study probes into the comprehension of “DO/S” GP sentences by Chinese EFL learners with different language proficiencies. 70 questionnaires are obtained. The results show that 60% triggering condition is not reached in high language proficiency group and no GP ambiguity is found, whereas the GP ambiguity is found and eliminated by low-proficiency group. And the level of language proficiency influences the emergence of GD phenomenon (x²=12.570, p=.000<.05). The Q&A test reveals the residual of the initial misunderstanding among learners. Although the 60% triggering condition is not reached, we find that the comprehension ability differs significantly between the two groups based on the scores of their answers (p=.004<.05). It can be safely concluded that the L2 proficiency will affect learners’ comprehension of “DO/S” GP sentences. The higher L2 proficiency learners gain, the more likely they may eliminate the ambiguation of GP sentences and there will be less residual of misunderstanding.