Linear sequencing strategies or UG-defined hierarchical structures in L2 acquisition?
-
Bonnie D. Schwartz
Abstract
We respond to Meisel (1997), who concludes, based on second language (L2) negation data, that “second language learners, rather than using structuredependent operations constrained by UG, resort to linear sequencing strategies which apply to surface strings” (p. 258). Like Lardiere (1999) and Prévost and White (1999), we argue (contraMeisel), that the L2ers exhibit not an insensitivity to the [}] finite distinction, but rather a delay in uniform Target-like mapping of abstract syntactic features onto phonetic forms. We further show that the data are unexceptional once one considers the syntax of negation in the native language, target-language negation input, and L2 proficiency level. Finally, we show that “linear sequencing strategies” are inadequate to account for well-known Interlanguage data.
Abstract
We respond to Meisel (1997), who concludes, based on second language (L2) negation data, that “second language learners, rather than using structuredependent operations constrained by UG, resort to linear sequencing strategies which apply to surface strings” (p. 258). Like Lardiere (1999) and Prévost and White (1999), we argue (contraMeisel), that the L2ers exhibit not an insensitivity to the [}] finite distinction, but rather a delay in uniform Target-like mapping of abstract syntactic features onto phonetic forms. We further show that the data are unexceptional once one considers the syntax of negation in the native language, target-language negation input, and L2 proficiency level. Finally, we show that “linear sequencing strategies” are inadequate to account for well-known Interlanguage data.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Phrasal and clausal architecture 1
- Restructuring and clausal architecture in Kannada 8
- The position of adverbials 25
- Bare, generic, mass, and referential Arabic DPs 40
- The possessor raising construction and the interpretation of subject 66
- Syntactic labels and their derivations 93
- Separating “Focus Movement” from Focus 108
- In search for Phases 146
- Wh-movement, interpretation, and optionality in Persian 167
- Structure preservingness, internal Merge, and the strict locality of triads 188
- Using description to teach (about) prescription 206
- ‘More complicated and hence, rarer’ 221
- Prescriptive grammar 243
- The syntax of valuation and the interpretability of features 262
- Linear sequencing strategies or UG-defined hierarchical structures in L2 acquisition? 295
- Minimalism vs. organic syntax 319
- Location and locality 339
- Conceptual space 365
- ‘Adjunct theta-roles’ and the configurational determination of roles 396
- Author index 412
- Subject index 417
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Phrasal and clausal architecture 1
- Restructuring and clausal architecture in Kannada 8
- The position of adverbials 25
- Bare, generic, mass, and referential Arabic DPs 40
- The possessor raising construction and the interpretation of subject 66
- Syntactic labels and their derivations 93
- Separating “Focus Movement” from Focus 108
- In search for Phases 146
- Wh-movement, interpretation, and optionality in Persian 167
- Structure preservingness, internal Merge, and the strict locality of triads 188
- Using description to teach (about) prescription 206
- ‘More complicated and hence, rarer’ 221
- Prescriptive grammar 243
- The syntax of valuation and the interpretability of features 262
- Linear sequencing strategies or UG-defined hierarchical structures in L2 acquisition? 295
- Minimalism vs. organic syntax 319
- Location and locality 339
- Conceptual space 365
- ‘Adjunct theta-roles’ and the configurational determination of roles 396
- Author index 412
- Subject index 417
