14. Expressing simultaneity using aspect

This cross-linguistic study examines the use of aspectual perspective in the L1 vs L2 expression of simultaneity in two typologically different native languages, Tunisian Arabic and French. We contrast the linguistic devices employed and study the interaction between Tunisian Arabic L1 and French L2 in the acquisition of this temporal relation. Strongly inspired by the categorisation of Schmiedtová (2004), we identify different aspectual styles used in native speakers’ and learners’ productions. We observe that the learners’ aspectual styles, as well as the types of adverbials selected, deviate from the French native speakers’ styles (see also Chan et al., this volume, on L2 acquisition of aspect). Rather, they are comparable to their aspectual perspectives in their L1.