Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Semantic Transfer in L2 English Production: A Psycholinguistics Analysis of Chinese Learners' Lexical Ambiguity in 'Learning'-Related Vocabulary

Yiguo LinSchool of Foreign Languages, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of semantic transfer in the English production of Chinese learners, specifically in the domain of "learning-related" vocabulary. Due to differences in semantic categorization between Chinese and English, Chinese learners often exhibit lexical ambiguity when expressing concepts such as 学习 (xuéxí), 复习 (fùxí), and 预习 (yùxí). This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis (translation and semantic judgment tasks) with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal systematic patterns of lexical misselection, with frequent misinterpretations influenced by L1 conceptual structures. Additionally, lower English proficiency correlates with a higher degree of semantic transfer. The study highlights the role of conceptual mapping and cognitive inertia in second language acquisition and underscores the necessity of explicit semantic contrast in language instruction. The results contribute to both psycholinguistic theories of cross-linguistic influence and pedagogical strategies for mitigating semantic transfer in second language learning.

Keywords: Psycholinguistics; Semantic Transfer; Second Language Acquisition; Chinese Learners; Lexical Ambiguity
Published: June 13, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.BO23970
Volume: CHR Vol.67
pp. 98-103
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