Translating ‘optimally’: a proposal for the L2 class
Christine Calfoglou · Aristotle University of Thessaloniki · 2017
In this paper we discuss the function of translation in highlighting systematic L1 (Greek) vs L2 (English) similarities and differences in the L2 class. More specifically, we postulate a set of constraints operating on potential L2 translation outputs in the area of word order on a ranked basis, in the spirit of Optimality Theory (Prince & Smolensky 1993, 2004, Archangeli 1997, Kager 1999). Constraint ranking and re-ranking, we argue, is regulated by learner conformity to Prince & Smolensky’s (1993) ‘do only when necessary’ principle. Intermediate grammar learner outputs are thus allowed to surface while also being treated as a continuum.