Transfer and proficiency effects in L2 processing of subject anaphora

•Spanish anaphora resolution is constrained by the Position of Antecedent Hypothesis.•Processing of subject pronouns evinces the integration of multiple source information.•Native-like intrasentential subject anaphora resolution in the L2 is achievable.•L1 transfer effects decline at advanced levels of L2 proficiency.

Late second language learners have difficulty acquiring discourse constraints on the distribution of overt and null subject pronouns in null-subject languages (Tsimpli and Sorace, 2006; Sorace, 2011). In addition to developing the representation of these syntax-discourse properties, they also have to acquire an online parsing bias - Carminati's (2002) Position of the Antecedent Hypothesis (PAH). The present study addresses the online operativeness of the PAH by examining the role of L1 (Moroccan Arabic vs. English), and L2 proficiency (intermediate, upper-intermediate, and high), in the processing of intrasentential backwards subject anaphors in Spanish. Findings reveal that participants were remarkably sensitive to the PAH but only advanced learners showed native-like sensitivity the PAH, regardless of their L1. In addition, whereas positive L1 transfer seems to operate at lower levels of proficiency, once learners achieve an advanced level L1 transfer seems to be less relevant.