Effects of Semantic Correlation Cue and Cross‐Linguistic Influence on the Interpretation of Subject Pronouns by Chinese L2 Speakers of English With Different L2 Proficiency Levels

ABSTRACT L2 speakers may experience difficulty in interpreting pronouns when the interpretation biases of their L2 and L1 differ. The present study investigates the interpretation of subject pronouns by Chinese L2 speakers of English, whose L1 and L2 are two typologically distinct languages. In addition, the present study investigates the effect of semantic correlation cue on pronoun resolution in a locality‐preference context, which has not received enough attention in this field. Employing an offline comprehension task, we tested the interpretation of subject pronouns in both high and low semantic correlation context by Chinese natives, English natives and Chinese L2 speakers of English. Results showed that: (1) the semantic correlation cue significantly influenced the interpretation of subject pronouns by Chinese natives and Chinese L2 speakers of English; however, no comparable effect was observed among English natives; (2) the interpretation patterns of Chinese L2 speakers of English remained persistently influenced by their L1, showing no significant shift with increasing L2 proficiency. Given this persistent L1 influence, it is recommended that increased exposure to authentic input be provided to facilitate the acquisition of subject pronouns.