Prototypical and non-prototypical marking in the advanced learner’s aspectuo-temporal system

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of verb semantics on the variable use of aspectuo-temporal morphology by the advanced learner of French. Using the Aspect Hypothesis as a heuristic to test the extent to which the advanced learner overrides the effect of verb semantics in aspectual contexts where the verb assumes a non-prototypical value, the study examines the interaction between lexical aspect and grammatical aspect in order to identify which factor exerts a stronger influence on the learner’s aspectuo-temporal choice. Results suggest that lexical aspect continues to constrain the advanced learner’s aspectuo-temporal system, such that non-prototypical marking poses greater difficulty than prototypical marking.