Embedded aspect in L2 acquisition: evidence from L1-Russian learners of Greek

This work investigates first-language (L1) influence on second-language (L2) acquisition of embedded aspect, comparing participants with homogeneous L1 background (Russian) in Greece (L2 Standard Modern Greek) and Cyprus (L2 Cypriot Greek), where verb complementation takes a finite form instead of an infinitival as in Russian. The focus of the experimental study is on those embedded sentential environments which allow only perfective aspect in Greek but either perfective or imperfective in Russian. The findings are taken to support the Full Transfer/Full Access Hypothesis, according to which aspect is part of Universal Grammar; L2 learners can reach native-like attainment due to access to UG, while at the initial stage of L2 acquisition transfer from L1 into L2 takes place.