Language Learning Process: An Investigation of the Developmental Pattern of Negative Constructions using Frequency Analysis Method

Abstract

This study investigates the process of language learning and explores whether any difference exists between the language developmental pattern of the learners who learn a language in instructed and naturalistic language learning contexts. This is done by investigating the developmental pattern of negative constructions of a classroom-based second language (L2) learner of English. The study is based on the data taken from Ellis (1984) and Ellis and Barkhuizen (2005). The frequency analysis method is used to analyse the developmental pattern of negative constructions of this classroom-based L2 learner of English. The results are compared with other research studies of both classroom and naturalistic language learning contexts. The results show that no significant difference exists between the developmental pattern of negative constructions of the learners who learn a language in instructed and naturalistic language learning contexts.