Korean Learners’ L2 Performance in Syntax-Semantics interface: Chinese Wh-Words as Existential Polarity Words

Abstract

Chen Hui & You, Seok-Hoon. 2018. Korean Learner’s L2 Performance in Syntax-Semantics interface: Chinese Wh-words as Existential Polarity Words. Language Information. Volume 26. 103-128. This study aims to test applicability of the Interface Hypothesis (Sorace & Tsimpli, 2006) in L2 through investigating L2 acquisition of Chinese Wh-Words as Existential Polarity Words (hence force EPWs) by L1 Korean speakers. The present study compares the results of the acceptability judgment test of Chinese EPWs between learner group and native speaker group to investigate 1. Are the interface properties concerning Chinese EPWs and their licensors acquirable by Korea-speaking learners of Chinese? 2. If not, what are the linguistic or non-linguistic effects which cause the interface breakdown? The results show that L2 Chinese learners are unable to establish a complete semantics-syntax relationship with the EPW embedded in the sentence, even at the final state of L2 acquisition. And the results also show that L2 Chinese acquisition is not linear development.