Microvariation and transfer in L2 and L3 acquisition

• Published in: Second language research Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 453 - 458
• Main Author: Gabriele, Alison
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-07-2021; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: English (Second Language); Language Classification; Language Proficiency; Language Research; Language Tests; Learning transfer; Linguistic Theory; Multilingualism; Native Language; Phrase Structure; Prediction; Predictor Variables; Russian; Second Language Learning; Second language learning theories; Syntax; Third language learning; Transfer of Training; Turkic Languages; L2 acquisition; L3 acquisition; transfer
• ISSN: 0267-6583; 1477-0326
• DOI: 10.1177/0267658320941063

This commentary discusses Westergaard’s (2021) keynote article, which presents a comprehensive model of first language (L1), second language (L2), and third language (L3) acquisition. The commentary presents evidence from a previous study of L3 learners that provides support for Westergaard’s property-by-property transfer proposal. The commentary highlights strengths of the proposal, such as its focus on microvariation, and also outlines open questions, such as whether the model can predict in advance whether specific properties will be easier or harder to acquire.