Native Speaker vs. L2 Learner Grammaticality Judgements

Abstract

Although many SLA syntax studies have used non-native speaker (NNS) grammaticality judgements, what underlies NNS grammaticality judgements has recently come under increasing scrutiny Some researchers (Ellis 1991, Goss et at 1994), using speak-aloud protocols and oral group work, have presented evidence that indicates NNSs use very different strategies in making decisions about the grammaticality of particular sentences than do native speakers [NSs) of the same language NNSs' use of strategies such as guessing, operationahizing learned rules, translation, and analogy calls into question whether or not their grammaticality judgements are a reliable indicator of their operational grammar However, heretofore oral protocol data have not been available for NS grammaticality judgements In this paper we report on an experiment comparing group oral protocols of native English-speaking subjects enrolled in a 4th semester college French course making grammaticality judgements in English and French Results indicate that the subjects do not necessarily use the same strategies in rendering grammaticality judgements in L1 and L2. thereby casting doubt on theoretical claims based on data elicited through L2 grammaticality judgements