Testing the Interface Hypothesis: Evidence from processing directions of possession transfer in double object constructions by L1-Mandarin Chinese L2-English learners

Abstract

The Interface Hypothesis postulates that internal interfaces linking domains within the language system are ultimately acquired at a near-native proficiency level in second language (L2) acquisition. While extensive research in the field of L2 acquisition has demonstrated that L2 learners often fail to completely acquire internal interfaces, the present study adds to this line of research by delving into an understudied phenomenon at the syntax-semantics interface, namely, directions of possession transfer in English Double Object Constructions (DOCs). Specifically, this study focuses on the processing of English DOCs containing verbs with varying or opposing directions of possession transfer. Employing a self-paced reading task and a comprehension task, we examined the performance of 30 native English speakers and 63 first language (L1) Mandarin Chinese learners of English. The findings suggest that L2 learners struggle to fully acquire the intricacies of English DOCs. Additionally, this study reveals that learners encounter challenges in processing English DOCs with left-directional verbs such as buy, compared to those with right-directional verbs such as post and non-directional verbs such as build. This points to an indeterminacy in the processing of the syntax-semantics interface constructions by L2 learners at developmental stages. To account for these findings, we propose an interface indeterminacy account, contending that the indeterminacy in the processing of the syntax-semantics interface constructions by L2 learners stems from the inherent indeterminacy in these constructions. Furthermore, this indeterminacy is likely to be vulnerable to a number of variables, including L1 transfer, learners’ L2 proficiency, and processing resources.