Argument structure in L2 acquisition: language transfer re-visited in a semantics and syntax perspective DOI:10.5007/2175-8026.2011n60p153

Abstract

Interlanguage studies tend to be dominated by investigations of strictly morphosyntactic phenomena. Issues of argument structure and argument realization are shown to be a potentially innovative theoretical approach to the study of L2 learners’ knowledge of target language grammar, as they are framed as an interface between semantics and syntax. In this article, evidence of language transfer effects in Brazilian L2 learners’ representation of transitivity alternations in verbs of manner of movement are presented to support the view that second language research on the acquisition of argument structure realization patterns is a promising line of enquiry.