Decoding case markers: L1 Chinese L2 Japanese learners’ comprehension of Japanese OSV sentences

Abstract It is widely acknowledged that L2 learners whose native language lacks case markers often encounter difficulties when trying to acquire the usage of case markers in a second language. This article investigates whether L2 Japanese learners whose native language lacks case markers are able to use case marking information to comprehend Japanese OSV sentences in real time. A picture-sentence matching truth value judgment experiment was created in both listening and reading versions. A proficiency test was also developed to measure the Japanese proficiency of L2 learners. A group of L1 Chinese L2 Japanese learners and a control group of L1 Japanese speakers were recruited for this study. The findings suggest that L1 Chinese L2 Japanese learners can utilize case markers to interpret Japanese OSV sentences online, with their accuracy strongly predicted by their Japanese proficiency.