Influence of Coerced Input on English Learners Grammar

Abstract

This study examines if speakers existing grammar can change after the speakers experience the input that does not match their linguistic knowledge, i.e., the coerced input, on the assumption of the usage-based model. Specifically, sentences that are composed of a ditransitive construction and main verbs requiring various degrees of coercion were created. Korean speakers judged the acceptability of these coerced sentences (Pretest), read the sentences appearing in the passages eight times over four weeks (input sessions), and judged the acceptability of the coerced sentences once again (Posttest). The results are as follows: In the Posttest they judged the coerced sentence that they read in the input sessions more acceptable. Moreover, in the Posttest they generalized the pattern that they received from the input: When they read the sentences that are composed of verbs and NPs different from the input sentences, they judged the sentences more acceptable. The results suggest that recurrent experience of coerced input can change existing grammar of the English learners.