The acquisition of motion event constructions by German-speaking learners of Italian as L3: The role of input frequency distributions, the L1 and the L2(s)

Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the acquisition of motion event (ME) constructions in Italian as an L3 by German-speaking learners focusing on the following aspects: (1) the role of input frequency distributions in the target language, (2) the influence of the L1 and (3) the influence of the L2. Methodology: We designed a video description task aimed at eliciting ME in Italian native speakers and L3 learners of Italian in different semantic contexts linked to different frequency distributions of SF constructions (boundary vs non-boundary crossing contexts) in the target language Italian. Data and Analysis: Mixed-effects modelling was used. Findings: We found that (1) native speakers and L3 learners produce SF constructions to different extents across the two semantic contexts tested, (2) L3 learners produce more SF constructions compared to native speakers of Italian and (3) learners who are dominant in foreign SF languages produce more SF constructions compared to learners who are dominant in foreign VF languages (other than Italian). We interpret these findings as evidence that (1) learners are sensitive to input frequency distributions in the target language, (2) the L1 influences the production of ME in the target language and (3) the L2 plays a role in the acquisition of ME as a L3. Originality: As far as we know, this is one of the few studies investigating the acquisition of ME in a L3 and in a new combination of languages (L1 German, L3 Italian). The study also proposes a new way of operationalising the influence of L2(s) on the L3. Implications: The study sheds light on the mechanism underlying the complex task of acquiring ME in a L3 providing evidence for a complex interplay of the influence of the L1, the L2 and input frequency distributions in the L3.