Chapter 9. Speech modifications and the Processability Theory hierarchy

Abstract

This study explores to what extent there is a difference in input in L1 and L2 Swedish regarding word order. Swedish is a V2 language with only one constituent preceding the tensed verb. This phenomenon is acquired in different ways by L1 and L2 learners. L1 learners produce V2 without errors around the age of two years whereas L2 learners experience long-lasting problems with the postverbal placement of the subject. The reason for this difference is not fully understood. This study set out to investigate the characteristics of the ambient language in the two acquisition conditions. The results reveal a lot of variation but also differences in the input which suggest that ‘input simplification’ is not always helpful.