L1 word order does not modulate predictive use of dative verb constraints in L2 Mandarin

Abstract

This study investigates cross-linguistic influence in L2 prediction: specifically, the hypothesis that first language (L1) speakers of a verb-final language are less likely to use verb information for real-time prediction in a verb-medial (SVO) second language (L2; Şafak & Hopp, 2023 ). Two groups of L2 learners of Mandarin (L1 English, SVO; L1 Japanese/Korean, SOV) participated in a visual world eye-tracking experiment to measure their anticipatory fixations on upcoming arguments following dative verbs with categorical or gradient constraints. Results indicate both groups made predictive use of categorical constraints of non-alternating verbs, with no evident between-group differences. Following alternating verbs with gradient constraints, both groups showed a general predictive bias for prepositional dative constructions. These findings indicate that lack of experience with verb-based prediction in the L1 is not a hinderance to predictive use of verb-based cues in an L2.