Beyond the suffix: Examining Imperfectivization strategies in L2 and Heritage BCMS in Italy

Abstract

The present study focuses on heritage speakers of BCMS in Italy and L2 learners of BCMS with Italian as their L1. We discuss the role of context in the use of imperfective forms in heritage speakers of BCMS in Italy and L2 speakers of BCMS with Italian as their L1. Focusing on the difference between simplex/perfective/biaspectual and secondary/derived imperfectives formed with a -va- morpheme, our study has the primary goal of highlighting possible differences between the two groups of speakers, compared to a control group of monolingual speakers; additionally, we aim at showing possible effects of the Italian imperfect -va- morpheme on the distribution of the homophonous imperfective -va- morpheme in BCMS, in the progressive and habitual contexts.