From the Viewpoint of English Middle Alternation: Integration of Generative Grammar and Foreign Language Education on Transitivity Alternation in English and Japanese

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In this study, we have explored the gap between transitivity alternation in English and Japanese from the viewpoint of the English middle alternation. Matsumoto has elaborated the structure of the multiple VP as the basis of the analysis of English middle and proposed that the comparison of the inanimate subject construction with English middle enhance Japanese native speakers' understanding of the construction.Hasegawa has classified the cases in which native speakers of English find it difficult to learn Japanese because transitivity alternations in Japanese, but not in English, show morphological changes and has given a feedback to Japanese language education.Nishimitsu confirmed the two facts: First, the key concept for transitive verbs is Responsibility in Japanese, whereas it is Cause in English. Second, intransitive verbs are frequently used in a prompt solioquy in Japanese.