L2 transfer of L1 island-insensitivity: The case of Norwegian. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kush, Dave; Dahl, Anne
• Is Part Of: Second language research. Volume 38:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 346
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: filler-gap dependencies -- Full Transfer -- indirect evidence -- island effects -- Norwegian; Second language acquisition -- Periodicals; Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 401.93
• DOI: 10.1177/0267658320956704
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-6583

Abstract

Norwegian allows filler-gap dependencies into embedded questions, which are islands for filler-gap dependency formation in English. We ask whether there is evidence that Norwegian learners of English transfer the functional structure that permits island violations from their first language (L1) to their second language (L2). In two acceptability judgment studies, we find that Norwegians are more likely to accept 'island-violating' filler-gap dependencies in L2 English if the corresponding filler-gap dependency is acceptable in Norwegian: Norwegian learners variably accept English sentences with dependencies into embedded questions, but not into subject phrases. These results are consistent with models that permit transfer of abstract functional structure. Norwegians are still less likely to accept filler-gap dependencies into English embedded questions than Norwegian embedded questions. We interpret the latter finding as evidence that, despite transfer, Norwegian speakers may partially restructure their L2 English analysis. We discuss how indirect positive evidence may play a role in helping learners restructure.