Form-function mapping in FL2: knowledge and usage of the conjugations of the past

The appropriate form-function mapping represents a key dimension in the L2 acquisition process. The mapping of form and function are not inextricably linked from the beginning of the developmental process onwards (Perdue & Klein 1992; Perdue et al. 2002). In sum, the acquisitional process evolves from a first lexicalisation stage to a morphological stage, which enables the appropriate form-function mapping (Noyau 1997). Several studies have already confirmed the late development of form-function mapping regarding the use of passé composé and imparfait by L2 learners (cf. i.a. Kaplan 1987; Noyau et al. 1995 ; Kihlstedt 2002 ; Ayoun 2001, 2004). Nevertheless, few studies have examined the form-function mapping of advanced or native-like L2 learners. This article reports on the progressive use of the verbal forms of the past in FL2 and on the characteristics of the functions expressed by these forms at an advanced level, by comparing the productions of L2 learners and native speakers.