| dc.description.abstract | The following master thesis will be focusing on spatial language abilities in L2 – users of English. Based on this, the present study aims to 1) identify which areas within the spatial language domain, that seems to be particularly challenging for L2-users of English, 2) examine whether there are any similarities/differences between second language learning and first language acquisition, 3) suggesting areas that need necessary attention in order to improve English L2-sessions of spatial language.
For this study, data obtained from a sample of 25 healthy young adults, aged between 18 and 35, were used. The data gathered from the respective test (spatial naming test) were used for the aim of quantitative measurements, with the purpose of revealing naming abilities in the target group, with a primarily focus on naming locative and dynamic prepositions.
One of the main findings in this study shows that L2-learners of English have more difficulties in naming dynamic spatial relations accurately than static spatial relations. The results further revealed deficits regarding eight specific items. Five of the items were in relation to motion events, representing bounded- TO paths, bounded- FROM bath terms, as well as dynamic prepositions of direction combined with location. Whereas in the static spatial relations’ items the target group showed difficulties in the area of proximal terms and topological complex terms. With reference to types of error done in the Spatial Language Test (SNT), the result showed that the most frequent types of errors, in terms of spatial relations, were in regard to the categories; 1) Not specified descriptions, 2) Partial semantic errors and locative/static preposition. Furthermore, the findings from this study indicate that there are both some similarities and differences between spatial language in L2-learning of English and L1- acquisition.
In order to master the complexity of spatial language, I have suggested that teachers may need to pay necessary attention towards challenging areas that I have uncovered in this research project. Most importantly, focusing on correct usage, semantics and the distinction between static spatial relations and directional spatial relations. In addition to this, I have mentioned important factors that might improve L2-users’ spatial language proficiency, or at least, provide L2-users with better precondition when it comes to mastering the spatial language. | |