Colleen A. Neary-Sundquist p72-89
2015 Issue 1
Abstract
This study examines the use of modal particles and conjunctions by learners of German in order to understand how the expression of cohesion develops in their speech. Although both modal particles and conjunctions can be used to link units of discourse, their acquisition and use by non-native speakers may progress differently due to the greater difficulty of learning modal particles. The data examined in the study come from oral proficiency interviews from learners at the intermediate, advanced, and superior levels. Learners at lower proficiency levels use more conjunctions than modal particles to create cohesive ties, while learners at the Superior level use more modal particles than conjunctions. The results suggest that there may be a complementary relationship between these two types of cohesive devices.