Optionality and overgeneralisation patterns in second language acquisition: Where has the expletive ensconced 'it'self?

This book discusses the nature of optionality in second language grammars. For these purposes, experimental data from 213 learners of German and 150 learners of Russian across four levels of acquisition has been collected and analysed. The object of inquiry is the acquisition of various impersonal constructions, as well as argument licensing.

This book discusses the nature of optionality in second language grammars and the indeterminacy observed in second language users' linguistic representations. For these purposes, experimental data from 213 learners of German and 150 learners of Russian have been collected and analysed with a special focus on the acquisition of various «subjectless» and impersonal constructions as well as argument licensing. Whereas voice alternations and argument licensing are topics amply discussed in theoretical domains, their practical implementation within second language research has remained a research lacuna. This piece of work intends to fill the gap.

Autorentext

Nadia Varley received her PhD in Germanic Linguistics at the University of Wuppertal. Her research focuses on syntax, interface phenomena and second language acquisition. She is also interested in the empirical verification of the theoretical claims within the framework of Generative Grammar.

Inhalt
Contents: Second language acquisition Generative Grammar Syntax and interfaces Voice alternations Argument structure Argument licensing Impersonal constructions Expletives German Russian Parametric variation Interlanguage grammars Optionality and overgeneralisation patterns in second language acquisition Empirical studies.