Acquisition of Modal Auxiliaries in English L2

Abstract

This paper presents the results of empirical research on naturalistic acquisition of English L2 modal auxiliary verbs by Sesotho-speaking children. Unlike most and earlier English L2 acquisition studies on this subject which focus only on the grammatical functions of modals, this study focuses on both grammatical and modality functions of modals. Similarities are observed between English L1 and L2 in the order of acquisition of modals and modality. The study further discusses factors which contribute to the order of emergence and use of modals in children's speech.