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Article published In: Journal of Second Language Studies
Vol. 4:1 (2021) ► pp.121–153

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Conceptual meaning in Italian speaking learners’ expression of temporality in L2 English

 | Open University
 | University of Utah
Published online: 16 April 2021
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jsls.19016.aus
Abstract
This study explores conceptual meaning in the construal of distinct temporal concepts by L1 Italian speakers, and considers the possibility that L1 constrained perspectives may influence the L2 English production of these speakers in the form of Conceptual Transfer (CT). Adopting a Cognitive Linguistics framework, think aloud reports are used as a data collection technique capable of accessing the meanings that both L1 Italian and L1 English speakers seek to convey in relation to the target concepts in English. Analysis of the think aloud reports revealed distinctly different approaches by the two language groups in the construal of these concepts. Results of this initial exploratory study point to cross-linguistic difference in the temporal meanings expressed, a role for L1 constrained construal in second language acquisition, the potential for CT based on this and the potency of think aloud reports in revealing this and other relevant factors.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Theoretical framework
  • 3.Conceptual transfer in SLA
  • 4.Methods
    • 4.1Research design
    • 4.2Data elicitation instrument
    • 4.3Participants
    • 4.4Procedure
    • 4.5Think aloud coding
  • 5.Results
    • 5.1Overview
    • 5.2Temporal context 1 – State up to the present
    • 5.3Temporal context 2 – temporary activity up to the present
  • 6.Discussion
  • 7.Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
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Jarvis, Scott
2023. Conceptual transfer. Language, Interaction and Acquisition 14:1 ► pp. 14 ff. DOI logo

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