Abstract

This study investigates the repair strategies employed by English as foreign language of Chinese learners in response to communication breakdowns, with a particular focus on their role in facilitating the progressivity of storytelling conversations. The examination delves into specific repair strategies, including self-initiated repair and repetition strategies, to shed light on their utilization and effectiveness. The findings of the investigation reveal that among the array of repair strategies utilized, English as foreign language of Chinese learners demonstrate a pronounced tendency to rely on self-initiated repairs. Notably, participants in the study primarily addressed issues related to pronouns and verb tense, with a specific emphasis on addressing tense inconsistencies, word order discrepancies, and grammatical errors. This phenomenon underscores the concerted efforts made by Chinese learners to enhance the clarity, coherence, and fluency of their communicative endeavors. Furthermore, the prevalence of self-initiated repairs exemplifies the learners’ dedication to surmounting linguistic challenges, fostering mutual understanding, and navigating the complexities inherent in interactive discourse. Such endeavors not only signify their commitment to linguistic improvement but also underscore their proactive engagement in fostering effective communication in intercultural contexts.

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