On the problem of optionality in non-native English subject extraction

Part of : Εφαρμοσμένη γλωσσολογία ; No.28, 2013, pages 69-88

Issue:
Pages:
69-88
Author:
Abstract:
This paper considers the acquisition of subject extraction structures in the L2 grammar of Intermediate, Advanced and Very Advanced Greek learners of English. The results of the study show that these structures are associated with persistent acquisitional problems and that Greek learners, even proficient ones, transfer the corresponding LI properties in their L2 grammars. The paper discusses whether L2 acquisition theories based on the interpretability status of features can adequately explain such results and, generally, locate the areas that cause learnability problems in L2 acquisition. It is argued that accounts which associate learnability problems with syntactic, i.e. formal uninterpretable feature, differences between languages can have important implications not only for linguistic theory, but also for linguistic practice and teaching.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Notes:
Περιέχει πίνακες, γραφήματα, παράρτημα, σημειώσεις και βιβλιογραφία
References (1):
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