Text organisation in Italian L2 learning varieties

Abstract

Connecting expressions reveal how the speaker copes with text organisation; and studying aspects of the development of these forms in L2 varieties helps us throw light on both pragmatic and syntactic text organisation in interlanguages. Syntactically, linking markers are involved in the development of subordination; pragmatically, their presence gives a map of learners’ discourse articulation. The present investigation of Italian L2 interlanguages showed that simple clauses and coordination appear before subordination, and that subordinate clauses seem to develop from adverbial to complement and relative clauses. At the pragmatic level, connecting particles emerge in less developed interlanguages. The data presented here are relevant to theoretical research on subordination hierarchies (central vs. marginal forms) and those cognitive categories (time, cause, concession, etc.) which are more likely to be expressed syntactically and/or pragmatically.