Miyuki Takeuchi
Department of Second Language Studies
Indiana University

Dissertation Proposal: "The investigation of form-function mappings: Referential 
expressions and encoding of referential status in L2 narrative discourse by 
L1-English learners of Japanese"


The acquisition of referential expressions, including particles, is one of the most 
challenging tasks that learners of Japanese face.  The goal of the present study is 
to find what the referential systems of learners at each developmental stage are, how 
the systems undergo change with increased input and instruction, and whether and how 
leaners attain the target norms.  To investigate these, L1-English learners of five 
different proficiency levels (N=75) are recruited, and they do two kinds of narrative 
tasks.   The use of nominative referential forms in the narratives, NP-ga 
(nominative marker), NP-wa (topic marker), and null anaphora are analyzed with 
respect to the discourse functions that these forms serve, i.e., encoding of 
referential (information) status.  The pilot study found (a) relatively early 
acquisition of null anaphora, (b) overuse of NP-wa at the early stage, (c) delayed 
emergence of NP-ga, and (d) residual indeterminancy of the distinctive use of NP-ga 
and NP- wa.  The present study attempts to build on these findings to reveal more 
comprehensive processes of the acquisition and causes of the challenges that learners 
may be facing.  In addition to the investigation of learners' narratives, the 
textbooks used in the institution where the informants were recruited are analyzed 
as to how much and in what functions NP-ga, NP-wa, and null anaphora are introduced 
in the texts.  This serves as a data base for the discussion of possible relations 
between class input and learners' performance.   Based on the findings, pedagogy will 
be developed for more effective instruction of Japanese referential expressions.