Specifics of Motion Event Descriptions in Russian and Chinese Written Narratives: Analyzing Data of Native Speakers and Language Learners

Introduction. The study presents a comparative analysis of spontaneous written texts in Russian and Chinese. The work focuses on motion event descriptions, which reveals some distinctive features of motion-related linguistic worldview patterns inherent to speakers of these languages. Goals. The article aims to explore cross-linguistic and cross-cultural differences in motion event descriptions traced in written texts of native Russian and Chinese speakers, including Taiwanese students learning Russian. To facilitate these, the paper shall: 1) compare morphosyntactic features of motion event descriptions in corresponding texts; 2) investigate some specifics of motion event constructions used by Taiwanese students learning Russian; 3) analyze narrative strategies to identify cross-cultural differences. Materials and methods. The research material includes three types of written texts, namely: 1) Russian-language texts written by native speakers — T1; 2) Russian-language texts written by Taiwanese students learning Russian — T2; 3) Chinese-language texts written by native speakers — T3. Methodologically, the study employs comparative, quantitative and qualitative data analysis tools, as well as ones instrumental in identifying key morphosyntactic features in written texts. Results. The analysis has yielded a number of findings as follows: 1) cross-linguistic morphosyntactic features of motion event descriptions resulting from the comparison of Russian (T1) and Chinese (T3) texts; 2) specific features of motion event constructions in written texts of Taiwanese students resulting from the comparison of T1 and T2 texts; 3) cross-cultural differences resulting from the comparative insight into essentials inherent to the three types at large. So, the paper reveals significant differences in how motion events are described and conceptualized by speakers of Russian and Chinese. Taiwanese students face challenges in conveying motion events in Russian, which are rooted in language interference and the influence of native language. The obtained results highlight the importance of a cross-cultural approach to foreign language studies and the need for targeted efforts to develop students’ skills in using motion event constructions.

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