L2 acquisition and linguistic change: the case of null subjects

Abstract

This study investigates parallels between L2 acquisition and language change, exploring the hypothesis that the transition from a null subject grammar to a non-null subject grammar follows common principles in both contexts. The study focuses on the acquisition of L2 English by native speakers of European Portuguese, comparing it with diachronic change data from Brazilian Portuguese. 64 Portuguese learners of L2 English (levels B1 to C2) and 12 native English speakers completed a speeded acceptability judgment task that crossed the variables pronominal subject (overt vs. null) and referentiality (2p vs. 3p [+human] vs. 3p [-human] vs. expletive). The results show that, unlike native English speakers, Portuguese learners of L2 English do not systematically reject null subjects. As proficiency increases, a gradual decrease in the acceptance of null subjects is observed, progressing from the [+referential] to the [-referential] end of the Referential Hierarchy. Our findings show that referentiality guide linguistic development in L2 acquisition (L1 EP – L2 English) and diachronic change (in BP).