Direct discourse methods in non-native speakers' German language use

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the methods used by intermediate, advanced and superior level learners of German when quoting formerly uttered speech in direct discourse. The study shows that that there are different methods of speech reporting at different levels of language proficiency. Each level of speakers in the study used the quotative methods of the earlier level(s), but also added more. Several superior speakers used a quotative structure without a conjugated verb. This was untypical of intermediate and advanced level speakers, who tended to adhere more to the rules of standard German syntax and avoided structures without a conjugated verb. Thus, it seems and that speakers with greater grammatical competence have a more diversified skillset when it comes to varying their quotation methods, which is a sign of greater communicative competence as well. Based on these results, this investigation contributes to our understanding of communicative competence and interlanguage development in German.