Preterite and present perfect: Towards modelling the connection between usage, (meta)linguistic awareness, norm orientation and constructional knowledge

Abstract

This study examines whether speakers' knowledge of regional variation should inform constructionist models of preterite-present perfect alternation. Combining a maze-task experiment and post-experiment survey, data on usage and metalinguistic knowledge were collected from speakers in England, Scotland, the US, and Canada. While regional preferences emerged for specific contexts, structural priming completely overrode regional differences. Importantly, participants' metalinguistic awareness reflected a cross-Atlantic split inconsistent with actual usage, and norm orientation did not affect constructional choices. These findings reveal mismatches between usage, perception, and normative beliefs. While usage data supports semantic distinctions between perfect subtypes, the disconnect between speakers' behaviour and their knowledge of regional variation raises questions whether sociolinguistic information merits inclusion in constructional templates.