English word order: should it be learnt or acquired by Russian learners?

Abstract

English word order is quite a challenging issue for those learners whose native languages are more flexible. Teaching English to the Russian students shows that not all the learners suffer from this language difference at the same extend. According to the conducted study we suppose that analysis of Russian speech patterns produced by a particular learner in some cases can be a predictor of his/her future success or difficulties in the language learning. In case of difficulties it might mean that the learner needs additional assistance with “inner programming” at one of the stages of the speech production.