Acquisition of Word Formation Devices In L1 & L2: Morphological Cross-linguistic Transfer to L2 Learners

It has been estimated that the main factor which accounts for the rapid vocabulary growth to early school age English children is word-formation knowledge. Using empirical research, the book puts side by side L1 and L2 acquisition of word-formation devices. First chapter explores the early acquisition of word-formation devices by English children, and presents the principles through which cross-linguistic influence diverts L2 learners from the natural way of acquiring word-formation devices of their target language. It also presents the 'Dual Semantic Transparency' Hypothesis in L2 acquisition . The second and third chapters utilize empirical evidences in examining the advanced acquisition of word-formation devices by both native speakers and L2 learners, as well as highlight the points in which morphological cross-linguistic transfer is more evident to L2 learners. The fourth chapter offers suggestions over the way L2 learners' knowledge of word-formation devices of their target language can be improved. The book is targeted to anyone interested in language acquisition.