The effects of L2 proficiency level on the processing of wh-questions among Dutch second language speakers of English

Abstract

Using a self-paced reading task, the present study explores how Dutch-English L2 speakers parse English wh-subject-extractions and wh-object-extractions. Results suggest that English native speakers and highly-proficient Dutch–English L2 speakers do not always exhibit measurable signs of on-line reanalysis when reading subject-versus object-extractions in English. However, less-proficient Dutch-English L2 speakers exhibit greater processing costs on subject-extractions relative to object-extractions, similar to previously reported findings (e.g., Dussias and Piñar, Second Language Research 26: 443–472, 2010; Juffs, Second Language Research 21: 121–151, 2005; Juffs and Harrington, Studies in Second Language Acquisition 17: 482–516, 1995). These findings are discussed in light of relevant research surrounding on-line processing among L2 speakers and their ability to adopt native-like processing patterns in the L2.