Abstract:The use of different input modality can have different effects on the understanding of a second language comprehension. Reading, listening and video-watching, the three different input modality play different and essential roles in the comprehension of one's second language. Learners' skills of listening, reading and watching, however, differ from one another. It can be complicated when discovering the effects that input modality have on the comprehension of a second language, because in different situations, there can be different factors distributing to different results. Also, the combination of input modality can lead to different results. Input modality have been the most vital tools and key elements used in the study on the comprehension of a second language. Researchers in this field have made admirable progress and achievements. Besides, it is very efficient to take Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and relevant principles as guidance when conducting the study on the understanding and acquisition of a second language. This thesis sorts out important studies in this field to find out the effects that different combination of input modality on the comprehension of a second language. Given that there is still possibility that the existing research on the acquisition of a second language can be improved and developed, so the thesis assays different methods of the studies to find out the advantages and disadvantages of each input modality, then comes to a conclusion that which is the best approach to learn a second language with highest efficiency, therefore offers analysis of the effects that input modality have on the acquisition of a second language. 

Keywords: input, modality, second language comprehension

Contents

中文摘要

Abstract

Chapter 1 Introduction-1

Chapter 2 Theories on Language Learning-3

  2.1 Theories on General Learning-3

    2.1.1 A Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning-3

    2.1.2 Principles of the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning-4

    2.1.3 Hede's Cognitive Model of Multimedia Learning-6

  2.2 Theories on Second Language Learning-7

    2.2.1 Krashen's Second Language Acquisition Theory-7

    2.2.2 Gu Yueguo's Theory on Multimedia Input Modality-9

Chapter 3 Empirical Exploration into Second Language Comprehension-11

  3.1 Necessity of Input -11

  3.2 Experiments on Multimedia Learning Principles-12

  3.3 Empirical Exploration into Second Language Comprehension-15

    3.3.1 Experiments conducted by GU Qiyi and ZANG Chuanyun-15

    3.3.2 Researches into Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory-18

    3.3.3 Lian Xiuping's Researches on Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition-18

    3.3.4 Dai Jin's Researches about the Effects Input Modality on Second Language Comprehension.- 19

    3.3.5 Diao’s Researches on Foreign Language Reading Comprehension-20

Chapter 4 Limitations with Present Studies-23

    4.1 Major Criticism-23

   4.2 Problems and Limitations of Existing Studies-23

Chapter 5 Conclusion-27

References -29

Acknowledgements-30