Roles of L1 and semantic features in L2 morpheme acquisition: The development of morphology in L2 English for Korean learners

This study builds on prior investigations into the influence of learners’ native language (L1) on morpheme acquisition, aiming to identify the factors that explain the varying effects of L1 across different morphemes. Specifically, it examines how the semantic characteristics of morphemes, combined with L1 influence, shape the development of morphological knowledge in English as a foreign language (EFL) compared to English as a second language (ESL) contexts. While earlier research suggests L1 plays a significant role in morpheme acquisition patterns, this study delves deeper into the critical role of morpheme interpretability. Findings reveal that interpretability, as a semantic attribute, significantly impacts the variability in morpheme acquisition beyond L1 influence alone. The study concludes by discussing the intricate interplay between L1 and the semantic features of English morphemes in the acquisition processes.