Multicompetence and native speaker variation in clausal packaging in Japanese

Abstract

Native speakers show systematic variation in a range of linguistic domains as a function of a variety of sociolinguistic variables. This paper addresses native language variation in the context of multicompetence, i.e. knowledge of two languages in one mind (Cook, 1991). Descriptions of motion were elicited from functionally monolingual and nonmonolingual speakers of Japanese, with analyses focusing on clausal packaging of Manner and Path. Results revealed that (1) acquisition of a second language (L2) appears to affect how speakers distribute information about motion in and across clauses in their first language (L1); (2) these effects can be seen with rather less knowledge of a second language than the advanced bilingual proficiency level typically studied; and (3) there appears to be little effect of L2 immersion in this domain since Japanese users of English as a second language (ESL) did not differ from Japanese users of English as a foreign 2 language (EFL). We discuss the findings with respect to characterizations of emerging multicompetent grammars, and to implications for the construct of 'the native speaker', for language pedagogy and language assessment.

Universal Development and L1–L2 Convergence in Bilingual Construal of Manner in Speech and Gesture in Mandarin, Japanese, and English

“…Some research has failed to find evidence of bidirectional cross‐linguistic interactions, even in aspects of motion event expression (e.g., Cadierno, ; Pavlenko, ; Pavlenko & Volynsky, ). In addition, conflicting findings exist on the impact of L2 proficiency and immersion experience (e.g., Athanasopoulos, , ; Bylund & Athanasopoulos, ; Cook et al, ; versus Brown & Gullberg, , ; Chen, ; Su, ), particularly with respect to how interactions may change over the course of language development (see Stam, versus 2015; and discussion in Brown & Gullberg, ). Finally, competing models have been proposed to account for the phenomenon of convergence (see discussions in e.g., Alferink & Gullberg, ; Brown & Gullberg, ).…”

Semantic Categorization of Placement Verbs in L1 and L2 Danish and Spanish

“…These participants can be characterized as functional monolinguals because they were not studying English or any other L2 at the time of data collection and because the only languages they used in their daily lives were Spanish and Danish, respectively (cf. Brown & Gullberg, ). Neither group reported knowledge of the other language.…”

Linguistic Relativity in SLA: Toward a New Research Program

“…Instead, when more sensitive measures of proficiency are used (such as the OQPT or tests of specific proficiency), proficiency effects are more likely to become apparent. We adhere to Brown and Gullberg's (2012) observation that the use of standardized proficiency tests across different studies has a great potential in clarifying the effects of this variable and would also allow for postcomparisons between different study populations. In addition to establishing general proficiency levels, we believe that careful assessments of participants' mastery of the specific linguistic property that gives rise to cognitive differences constitute a promising way forward, given that those studies using this approach have all yielded significant results.…”