Second Language Competence

This volume looks at the development of linguistic competence and convergence in second language acquisition by analysing the acquisition of complex syntax by non-native learners of Spanish. It looks at the knowledge that is transferred from the native language and the changes that occur as learners become more proficient. It focuses on a particular class of grammatical constructions that are central to understanding the transition from simple to complex syntax in language development: Control, Raising and Exceptional Case Marking structures. The formal properties of these constructions have been described extensively in theoretical syntax. This volume presents an empirical study, as well as a comprehensive review of seminal and current theories, that ultimately seeks to bridge the gap between linguistic theory and its applications.