The reverse influence of L3 on the expressions of caused state change events in the L1 of Mandarin Chinese learners

Abstract

With the previous predominance of a focus on forward transfer in motion event expressions, current research has overlooked the exploration of reverse transfer of third language (L3) regarding caused state change (CSC) events in the first language (L1). Based on an animated event description task, this study explores the reverse influence from L3 to L1 in CSC expressions, comparing 33 Mandarin–English learners with 66 Mandarin–English–Japanese learners of low and high proficiency. The findings reveal that: (1) All participant groups exhibited significant adherence to satellite-framed language (S-language) features in their lexicalization patterns, predominantly adopting causal compactness conceptual splicing patterns. (2) Both L3 (Japanese) typological features and proficiency exert inverse effects on L1 (Mandarin Chinese) CSC expressions. The former prompts Mandarin–English–Japanese learners to focus more on event results, and increased proficiency leads to reduced semantic fineness in result descriptions. (3) Cross-group comparisons of CSC events expression reflect the dynamic interplay between language systems. The similarities demonstrate the privileged role of L1, while the differences illustrate the reverse effects of Japanese typological features and proficiency.