Measuring Implicit and Explicit Grammatical Knowledge in Second Language Acquisition

Previous research shows that due to non-facilitative first language (L1) transfer, second (L2) speakers do not develop implicit knowledge of certain grammatical structures. Therefore, the present paper investigates whether L1-Sinhala–L2-English could acquire English object pronouns. To achieve this goal, compares data collected via an untimed grammaticality judgment task (untimed GJT) and oral production (OPT). The GJT measured explicit knowledge, whereas was by OPT. two tasks tested pronouns L2 speakers. pronominalization differs in Sinhala English. Object are expressed overtly has overt null However, ungrammatical Under facilitative transfer from Sinhala, would accept (grammatical structure). On other hand, under they (ungrammatical A prediction also made regarding tasks. If had acquired pronouns, be target-like on In GJT, differentiated between frequently used structures results suggest is still unavailable Sinhala–English interlanguage.