Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This authoritative textbook provides an overview and analysis of current second language acquisition research conducted within the generative linguistic framework. 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. Properties of early grammars and grammars during the course of development are examined, as well as the nature of the final outcome of the acquisition process.
Synopsis
This authoritative 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.
About the Author
Lydia White is Professor of Linguistics at McGill University, Montréal and Chair of the Linguistics Department. She is internationally known as a leading expert on second language acquisition. She is the author of Universal Grammar and Second Language Acquisition (John Benjamins, 1989) and publishes regularly in major international journals on language acquisition.
Table of Contents
1. Universal grammar and language acquisition; 2. Principles of Universal Grammar in L2 acquisition; 3. The initial state; 4. Grammars beyond the initial state: parameters and functional categories; 5. The transition problem, triggering and input; 6. Morphological variability and the morphology/syntax interface; 7. Argument structure; 8. Ultimate attainment: the nature of the steady state.