1. Scalar diversity and second-language processing of scalar inferences : a cross-linguistic analysisGreta Mazzaggio, Federica Longo, Penka Stateva, Bob Van Tiel, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: We investigate the processing of scalar inferences in first language (L1) and second language (L2). Expanding beyond the common focus on the scalar inference from ‘some’ to ‘not all’, we examine six scalar expressions: ‘low’, ‘scarce’, ‘might’, ‘some’, ‘most’ and ‘try’. An online sentence-picture verification task was used to measure the frequency and time course of scalar inferences for these expressions. Participants included native English speakers, native Slovenian speakers and Slovenian speakers who spoke English as their L2. The first two groups were tested in their L1, while the third group was tested in their L2. Results showed that the English-L2 group resembled the Slovenian-L1 group more than the English-L1 group in terms of inference frequency. The time course for scalar inference computation was similar across all groups. These findings suggest subtle pragmatic transfer effects from L1 to L2, varying across different scalar expressions.
Keywords: scalar inference, conversational implicature, scalar diversity, second language, linguistic transfer, pragmatics, Slovenian
Published in RUNG: 07.05.2025; Views: 273; Downloads: 0
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2. Negative pragmatic transfer in bilinguals : cross‑linguistic influence in the acquisition of quantifiersGreta Mazzaggio, Penka Stateva, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Building on the cross-linguistic variability in the meaning of vague quantifiers, this study explores the potential for negative transfer in Italian-Slovenian bilinguals concerning the use of quantificational determiners, specifically the translational equivalents of the English “many”, that is the Slovenian "precej" and "veliko". The aim is to identify relevant aspects of pragmatic knowledge for cross-linguistic influence. The study presents the results of a sentence-picture verification task in which Slovenian native speakers and Italian-Slovenian bilinguals evaluated sentences of the form "Quantifier X are Y" in relation to visual contexts.
The results suggest that Italian learners of Slovenian, unlike Slovenian native speakers, fail to distinguish between "precej" and "veliko". This finding aligns with the negative transfer hypothesis. The study highlights the potential role of pragmatic knowledge in cross-linguistic transfer, particularly in the context of vague quantifiers.
Keywords: quantification, cross-linguistic differences, pragmatics, semantics, negative transfer
Published in RUNG: 20.08.2024; Views: 1511; Downloads: 6
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3. Two ʺmanyʺ- words in Italian? : on molto-tanto and cross-linguistic differences in quantificationGreta Mazzaggio, Penka Stateva, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: This article investigates the variability in the meaning of vague quantifiers across different languages, focusing on Italian’s m(any)-words molto and tanto. The aim was to replicate a previous analysis conducted on Slovenian m-words – precej and veliko – examining whether the Italian ones exhibit a similar pragmatic strengthening effect. Using a sentence-picture verification task, we tested 88 Italian monolingual participants on their evaluation of sentences of the form “Quantifier X are Y”. Our results showed that, unlike Slovenian speakers, Italian speakers do not exhibit a difference in the evaluation of molto and tanto, suggesting that the two words have the same numerical bound and are interchangeable as amount modifiers. Our analysis suggests that there are underlying semantic distinctions between molto and tanto that require further investigation. These findings contribute to our understanding of the variability in the use of quantifiers across languages and highlight the importance of examining subtle differences in meaning when studying vague quantifiers.
Keywords: cross-linguistic differences, pragmatics, quantification, semantics, vague quantifiers
Published in RUNG: 03.10.2023; Views: 2726; Downloads: 10
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4. Scalar diversity and second-language processing: the Pragmatic Transfer HypothesisFederica Longo, Bob van Tiel, Penka Stateva, Greta Mazzaggio, published scientific conference contribution abstract Abstract: This study investigates the impact of language proficiency on the computation of scalar
implicatures (e.g., ”some” implying ”not all”) and compares the Pragmatic Default Hypoth-
esis and the Pragmatic Transfer Hypothesis. Six scalar terms were studied among native
English speakers, native Slovenian speakers, and Slovenian second-language (L2) learners
of English. The findings mostly support the Pragmatic Transfer Hypothesis, as the rate
of scalar implicatures in the English-L2 group generally aligned with rates in their native
language, Slovenian. This suggests that scalar implicature judgments in one’s L2 reflect
pragmatic patterns in one’s first language.
Keywords: Second Language processing, Scalar implicatures, Scalar diversity
Published in RUNG: 03.10.2023; Views: 2129; Downloads: 7
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7. On the Italian Molto and Tanto and the differences with the Slovenian Precej and Veliko : lecture at the 48. Incontro di Grammatica Generativa, IGG48, Dilef, University of Florence, 16. 2. 2023Greta Mazzaggio, Penka Stateva, 2023, unpublished conference contribution Abstract: The present work is based on a previous study in which Stateva and Stepanov (2017) compare speakers’ comprehension of two Slovenian m(any)-words, veliko and precej. S&S argue for a degree analysis of the two quantifiers suggesting that they are semantically equivalent but subject to different mechanisms of pragmatic enrichment. We present the results of two experiments that use the S&S protocol in order to assess i) the comprehension of two Italian translational equivalents of these m-words, namely, molti and tanti, and ii) potential crosslinguistic influence in the context of Italian-Slovenian bilingualism. Our results suggest that Italian m-words have the same numerical bounds even in direct competition in contrast to their Slovenian counterparts. Italian L2 speakers of Slovenian fail to differentiate between the two m-words in Slovenian which suggests that this aspect of L2 acquisition is subject to negative transfer.
Keywords: amount quantifier, Italian, bilingualism, negative transfer, pragmatic enrichment
Published in RUNG: 27.03.2023; Views: 2945; Downloads: 0
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