Overgeneralization in L2 English morphosyntax and the role of alphabetic literacy

Abstract

The aim of this study is to further explore learners’ overgeneralization of functional morphemes (the use of non-target function words or multi-word strings) during the acquisition of second language (L2) English morphosyntax and explain how the stages of Organic Grammar (or OG stages) affect the choice of overgeneralized forms, as my production data show that my participants use different classes of overgeneralized forms. The results show that the use of certain function words (as placeholders) seems to be peculiar to lower-literate learners or VP-stage learners, while higher OG-stage learners or those with higher literacy use different types of placeholders (e.g., the copula ‘be’ or personal pronouns).