Analysis of the Process of Article Selection in English by Japanese EFL Learners: Using Path and Decision-Tree Analysis

Abstract

t is well known that Japanese EFL learners have great difficulty in the accurate use of English articles. The present study investigates this difficulty by looking at the process of article selection in English by Japanese native speakers. We use path analysis to compare the hypothesized processes of choosing English articles and the actual processes employed by Japanese EFL learners. The results of path analysis indicate that the process used by Japanese EFL learners is close to that proposed by Master (1990). These results, as well as those of decision-tree analysis, indicate that the criteria General and SR_HK do not have a direct link with each other and each independently affects the choice of definite article. When the SR_HK criterion is met, the definite article is used. In addition, when the General criterion is not met, the definite article is used. As regards the choice of indefinite articles (the indefinite article and the zero article), both the General criterion and the Countable criterion need to be satisfied, while the SR_HK is not relevant to their choice. Finally, the implications of the present study are discussed.