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Category: Project

Description: Previous studies have found that L2 learners have persistent difficulties with the acquisition of L2 tense-aspect even at advanced levels, particularly when the relevant constructions are different or absent in the learners' L1. This suggests that the L1 has a strong or even permanent influence on the acquisition of L2 grammatical knowledge. To look at this issue more systematically, the current study combines both comprehension and production, and it focuses on the processing and production of English tense-aspect (i.e., simple past, present perfect, and present progressive constructions) by Chinese and Arabic learners, and how their respective L1 affects their learning.