ABSTRACT

Resultative constructions show a wide range of cross-linguistic variation, which may pose nontrivial challenges to L2 learners. This study investigates how syntactic and semantic differences between L1 and L2 affect L2 acquisition of resultatives. In particular, we investigate how L1-Korean learners project the syntax and semantics of L2-English resultative constructions. Two different experiments are presented. The first is a comprehension test that employs an acceptability judgment task and an elicited choice task, and the second is a production test using an elicited writing task. Our experimental results consistently show that Korean learners project English resultatives with adjunct structures and interpret them as atelic events, in sharp contrast to native speakers of English. This finding is in line with previous studies in demonstrating that L1 syntax plays a crucial role in projecting L2 syntax. More importantly, this study provides novel evidence that L1 semantics (i.e., telicity) crucially influences L2 acquisition, in tandem with (but over and above) L1 syntax. The study’s results imply that a proper theory of L2 acquisition of resultatives must consider not only syntactic transfer effects but also subtle semantic differences between L1 and L2.

摘要

结果性结构显示出广泛的跨语言变化，这可能对二语学习者构成不小的挑战。这项研究调查了L1和L2之间的句法和语义差异如何影响L2的结果获取。特别是，我们研究了L1-韩国学习者如何投影L2-英语结果结构的语法和语义。提出了两个不同的实验。第一个是采用可接受性判断任务和引诱的选择任务的理解测试，第二个是使用引诱的写作任务的生产测试。我们的实验结果一致表明，韩国学习者投射具有辅助结构的英语结果，并将其解释为Atelic事件，与讲英语的人形成鲜明对比。这一发现与先前的研究一致，表明L1语法在投射L2语法中起着至关重要的作用。更重要的是，这项研究提供了新的证据，证明L1语义（即高贵）与L2语义的获得密切相关，但是（以上）L1语法。研究结果表明，适当的第二语言习得结果的理论不仅要考虑句法转移效果，而且还要考虑第二语言与第二语言之间的细微语义差异。