Modeling the interlanguage: The effect of frequency in the L2 acquisition of English consonant clusters

Abstract

This study seeks to determine whether the second language acquisition of non-native linguistic structures is best described within the framework of Optimality Theory, or within the framework of a usage-based model. These two frameworks make different predictions regarding the role of word frequency in second language acquisition. This study examines the productions of high and low-frequency English words as spoken by native speakers of S’gaw Karen, a language which does not permit coda clusters, who are acquiring English as a second language. Trends suggest that second language acquisition is better described within the framework of a usage-based model, suggesting a word-by-word acquisition of coda clusters, although limitations of the study are also noted in the discussion.Ope