A Variationist Study of Quotative System in the Non-native Speech of French

Abstract: Based on sociolinguistic data collected with 40 Chinese L1 learners of French in Paris, this article examines the quotative markers used by nonnative speakers of French in their direct speech reporting. Our results confirm previous findings in other ethnic groups that both linguistic and extralinguistic factors influence the use of some socio-pragmatic variables in non-native speech. On the one hand, it provides new data on the acquisition of socio-pragmatic competence by a less studied learner group; on the other hand, it offers a further reflection on the influence of linguistic taboo on learners’ L1 and the impact of the critical period in the immigration process on their language acquisition.