(Mis)construing null prepositions in L2 intergrammars

This article discusses the ‘null prep phenomenon’ reported in several studies of the second language (L2) development of extraction constructions (e.g. Klein, 1993a, 1993b; Klein, 1995a, 1995b). In these studies, L2 learners of English who show subcategorization knowledge of verbs for their prepositional complements, often leave out the required preposition in corresponding interrogatives (and relative clauses as well). We review the theoretical and acquisition issues related to null prep and summarize a proposal by Dekydtspotter, Sprouse and Anderson (DSA, 1998) which posits that null prep grammars represent a generalized procedure in L2 development, that of early reliance on A-bar binding construals when the target grammar requires wh-movement. In a commentary, we argue against some of the evidence offered in support of the DSA’s proposal and offer an alternative analysis. Our proposal suggests that many L2 learners exhibit an interim stage of null operator movement in the development of interrogatives before undertaking obligatory overt wh-movement. This analysis sheds light on why null prep grammars occur among second although not first language learners of English

Anaphora (linguistics · Ellipsis (linguistics · Grammar · Interrogative word · Linguistics · Null (SQL · Rhetorical question · Second-language acquisition · Subcategorization · Verb · Computer Science · Language Development and Disorders · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Philosophy · Psychology · Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation · Artificial Intelligence

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