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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: 635; Downloads: 3
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