Island sensitivity in L2 learners: Evidence from acceptability judgments and event-related potentials

• Published in: Second language research Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 19 - 50
• Main Authors: Covey, Lauren, Fiorentino, Robert, Gabriele, Alison
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2024; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Acceptability; Cognitive Ability; English as a second language learning; English language; Event-related potentials; Mandarin; Native language acquisition; Native speakers; Second Language Learning; Syntactic islands; Syntactic movement; Syntax; ERPs; islands; sentence processing; individual differences

This study investigates the processing of wh-dependencies in English by native speakers and advanced Mandarin Chinese-speaking learners. We examined processing at a filled gap site that was in a licit position (non-island) or located inside an island, a grammatically unlicensed position. Natives sho...