ERIC Number: EJ928528
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Jun
Pages: 51
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0023-8333
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Processability Theory and German Case Acquisition
Baten, Kristof
Language Learning, v61 n2 p455-505 Jun 2011
This article represents the first attempt to formulate a hypothetical sequence for German case acquisition by Dutch-speaking learners on the basis of Processability Theory (PT). It will be argued that case forms emerge corresponding to a development from lexical over phrasal to interphrasal morphemes. This development, however, is subject to a correction factor due to the principle of direct mapping. In addition, the unmarked alignment hypothesis allows for a differentiation between similar case contexts (e.g., preverbal and postverbal nominative or accusative arguments). A cross-sectional study was performed in order to examine whether the German case system is indeed acquired according to the hypotheses derived from PT. "Fill-in-the-blanks-exercises" were analyzed from 704 Flemish second-language learners of German. The results of the study do indeed suggest a development in line with PT.
Descriptors: Morphemes, German, Indo European Languages, Linguistic Theory, Case Studies, Second Language Learning, Grammar, Phrase Structure
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
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Language: English
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