Case Acquisition in Icelandic as a Second Language.

Abstract

This article introduces Pienemann’s Processability Theory (1998 and 2005) as well as research on case acquisition in German as a second language on the basis of Processability Theory (Baten 2011). A hypothetical sequence for case acquisition in Icelandic as a second language is also formulated. Finally, results of a cross-sectional study on case acquisition in Icelandic are introduced and discussed on the basis of Processability Theory.

The results suggest a development in line with Processability Theory and the development for subjects seems to be as follows: nominative › thematic case (dative) › idiosyncratic case (accusative and genitive). For object the development sequence seems to be as follows: thematic case (dative) › idiosyncratic case (genitive) › accusative › idiosyncratic case (dative).

Keywords: second language acquisition, processability theory, developmental hierarchy, lexical case, structural case