Syntax/semantics interface and interpretation of Chinese NP1NP2V construction by Japanese speakers

要旨

Abstract Sorace’s ( 2005 , 2006 ) Interface Hypothesis proposed that properties of syntax are relatively easier to acquire than ones involving interfaces. The article provides supporting evidence with a study investigating second language (L2) acquisition of the interpretation of Chinese NP 1 NP 2 V construction by Japanese speakers. The canonical OSV interpretation for Chinese NP 1 NP 2 V is considered a syntactic property. The acceptability of SOV interpretation for Chinese NP 1 NP 2 V depends on the combined effects of the semantic compatibility factor and the prominence factor, which involve the syntax-semantics interface. The results show that Japanese speakers can acquire the canonical OSV interpretation; but they have difficulties in accessing prominence to distinguish the acceptable SOV interpretation from the unacceptable one.

主題