Resumen de On pronouns that drop (out of German)
The null-subject parameter (NSP) is a well-studied syntactic feature within the field of L3 learning. The present study explores whether the L2 status factor (e.g., Bardel & Falk, 2012) exerts such a strong impact that the NSP from a non-typologically close or even similar L2 (Spanish/Italian) can be transferred into the L3. Data were recorded from two absolute beginners of L3 German (L1 Swedish, L2 English, French, Spanish, Italian) during a semester. The results show that both participants transferred the NSP from their weakest L2 into German. These results are discussed in relation to theories about transfer in L3 learning: the L1 transfer hypothesis, the L2 status factor, and the Typological Proximity Model. The results support the L2 status factor.
