An eye-movement study of EFL learners’ English dative sentence processing by proficiency levels

The current study aims to investigate how EFL learners read English dative alternation structures differently based on their proficiency levels. Eye-movement data on the areas of NP1 (subject), verb, NP2, and NP3 in sentences was analyzed, under fixation counts, regression fixation, and reading time data (first-pass, second-pass, and total reading time). The results showed EFL learners undergo more cognitive efforts in processing for DO than for PD. The NP2 area plays a critical role in dative structure sentence processing. Regarding the proficiency levels, the lower proficient group showed more salient differences between the processing for DO and PD. This study showed a contrast pattern in first-pass reading time from the higher proficiency group.