On Manner of Motion and Resultative Constructions

The topic of Argument Realization has been of special interest for many linguists, this work reports two studies related to Argument Realization. The main focus is on the Acquisition of the Manner-of-Motion and Resultative constructions in L2 English by native speakers of Spanish. Using Jackendoff's (1990) analysis of the predicate-argument meaning "Lexical Conceptual Structure - LCS" and following a lexical-syntactic approach proposed by Juffs (1996) at the level of lexical-semantic representation (Head Movement Parameter) where ± Head Movement of PLACE to PATH. English selects the + value, and Spanish selects the -value. Results suggest that the Spanish speakers initially transfer L1 lexical-semantic structures and their linking to syntax into their L2 grammars. The implications of the findings for current general hypotheses about second language acquisition are discussed.