Universal Grammar and L2 Acquisition of Reflexive Binding: Some Learners Acquire a Non-L1/Non-Target System

It is proposed here that second language learners can acquire a system of reflexive binding, both local and long-distance, that is different from that found in their native language, and individual subject data are offered to support this claim. First, some general properties of the syntactic behavior of reflexives and reflexive constructions are outlined, and results of previous second-language research on acquisition of English reflexives are summarized. Data from another researcher's earlier study are then re-analyzed in terms of individual subjects, and it is demonstrated that some of the second language learners acquired a system of reflexive binding that is different from both the native language and the target language. Finally, the claim, made in other research, that transfer is the only developmental factor in the acquisition of English reflexives by non-native speakers is challenged. Contains 32 references. (MSE)