Universal Grammar and Second Language Acquisition (Language Acquisition and Language Disorders) - Softcover

White, Lydia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 155619093X ISBN 13: 9781556190933

Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company, 1989

Synopsis

This book explores the relationship between linguistic universals and second language acquisition. Although no knowledge of generative grammar is presupposed, the theoretical framework underlying the work is the principles and parameters approach to Universal Grammar (UG), as realized in Chomsky's Government and Binding theory.
In recent research, the question has arisen as to whether the principles and parameters of UG remain available in language acquisition that is non-primary. Within second language acquisition theorizing, hypotheses have ranged from UG playing no role at all to UG operating exactly as in primary language acquisition. In this work the theoretical arguments and data from the whole spectrum are reviewed.

About this title

Review

"It is a clear presentation of a set of current positions on the relation among Universal Grammar (UG), that of the acquirer/learner's L1, and the process and limits of the acquisition/learning of the L2." Canadian Journal of Linguistics, Kathleen Connors, Univerité de Montréal

"This book is an excellent review of the most central acquisitions related to UG (Universal Grammar). White has skillfully captured the essence of UG issues and strategies." GEOLINGUISTICS Vol. 30, Jenny M. Castillo, Hunter College (CUNY)

"Lydia White has come out with a new textbook of Universal Grammar and SLA; buy it. End of Story." Studies in Second Language Aquisition, Kevin R. Gregg

Book Description

This authoritative 2003 textbook provides a linguistic perspective on second language acquisition. It argues for a role for Universal Grammar in second language acquisition. Theories as to the role of Universal Grammar and the extent of language transfer are presented and discussed, together with relevant empirical research.

Edition details

• Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 155619093X
• ISBN 13: 9781556190933
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 210