Functional Categories and Parameter Resetting in Second Language Acquisition: A Cross-Sectional Study on CP Development and Expletive Suppliance
Empirically based research on second language acquisition (further L2A) has proven to be full of possibilities for delving further into the acquisition of functional L2 categories. The current paper discusses general considerations concerning the extent to which the second language
learner (L2er) is influenced by the first language (L1) grammar, the transfer – or the rise – of L2 functional properties, and the phenomenon of optionality in interlanguage grammars (ILGs), particularly focusing on the nature of linguistic knowledge that is available at different
stages beyond the commencement of L2A. Drawing on the data from various levels of L2A, I have found ample empirical support for the claim that the reparametrisation of [+strong] L1 to [–strong] L2 features is a recalcitrant task to accomplish even in advanced ILGs, whereas the V2-parameter
(motivated by verb-raising which is also available in the L1) is accurately acquired. Thus, the data obtained on the development of CP shell and expletives in TP has turned out to be consistent with my assumption that there is a kind of impairment in the syntactic module of L2 faculty, specifically
associated with L2 uninterpretable features.
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 May 2010
- "Linguistische Berichte" is open-minded regarding linguistic subjects and methods, but attaches great importance to theoretical reasoning and empirical validation.
Since its foundation in 1969 by Peter Hartmann and Arnim von Stechow, the journal is an academic forum where serious views within linguistics and similar fields of studies (psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, language acquisition and teaching, literary studies, philosophy, and computer linguistics) are discussed equally.
The purpose is to provide an objective and critical documentation of linguistic developments. Besides, the forum is open for each level of scientific work, i.e. for everyone who is dealing with linguistic-based work (undergraduates, assistants, and professors).
New research results and linguistic developments are published quickly and comprehensively, and contributions are normally published within one year after acceptance by the editors. - Editorial Board
- Subscribe to this Title
- Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites
- Access Key
- Free content
- Partial Free content
- New content
- Open access content
- Partial Open access content
- Subscribed content
- Partial Subscribed content
- Free trial content