Introduction

This chapter focuses on possible L1 transfer in the use of preposition stranding constructions (PSCs) in learner language. In a previous study by Kinn and Tenfjord (2013), we investigated missing prepositions in the ASK corpus of L2 Norwegian. Our results showed that PSCs were among the important construction types where preposition omission was frequent.

As indicated by the term, preposition stranding refers to constructions in which a preposition is used without a following complement (often called an object). The preposition is used on its own in the syntactic position of the prepositional phrase (typically at the end of a clause). The complement is a nominal phrase placed ‘elsewhere’ (typically at the beginning of the clause) or is relativized and left implicit. PSCs (cf. Law, 2006) are highly uncommon typologically, being found almost exclusively in Germanic languages. They are involved in a number of fairly complex constructions, such as wh-fronting (Hvem har du diskutert det med? ‘Who have you discussed it with?’), clefting (Det er deg jeg tenker på ‘It’s you I’m thinking of/about’) and relativization (de jentene jeg diskuterte det med ‘the girls that I was discussing it with’).

Our study includes learners of Norwegian with seven different L1s: Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian (BCS), Dutch, English, German, Polish, Russian and Spanish. Among these, only the L1 English group has PSCs similar to those found in Norwegian in their L1. Dutch and some forms of colloquial German allow stranding in a more limited set of contexts (cf. Klein, 1993, 2001; Law, 2006; van Buren & Sharwood Smith, 1985; van Riemsdijk, 1978). The other L1s represented, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, Polish, Russian and Spanish, do not have PSCs.

Since PSCs are both typologically uncommon and used in syntactically complex constructions, it may be expected that PSCs are an aspect of Norwegian grammar that is difficult for learners to acquire, perhaps with the exception of those with an L1 English background. However, Norwegian also has PSCs in some cases where English does not.