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Syntax-Semantics Interface and the Form-Meaning Mismatch Between L1 and L2

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Universal Grammar and the Initial State of Second Language Learning

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Abstract

While syntactic rules guide how words in a language are combined to form sentences, semantics focuses on the rules of meaning at morphological, lexical and syntactic levels. The interface between syntax and semantics, therefore, links the clausal form and its underlying meaning. However, the syntax-semantics interface is one of the most vulnerable aspects in L2 acquisition. Therefore, L2 speakers are found to either often have incomplete grammar, or have highly variable syntactic-semantic awareness and performance. In the context of SLA, previous knowledge, such as that in L1, is believed to account for the “incompleteness” in L2 syntactic and semantic acquisition. The syntax-semantics interface, therefore, poses a big challenge for both child and adult L2 learners.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Speech Pathology and Audiology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia

    Weifeng Han

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Han, W. (2020). Syntax-Semantics Interface and the Form-Meaning Mismatch Between L1 and L2. In: Universal Grammar and the Initial State of Second Language Learning. SpringerBriefs in Education. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2452-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2452-3_4

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  • Print ISBN: 978-981-15-2451-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-15-2452-3

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