Second Language Acquisition and Universal Grammar

This authoritative 2003 textbook provides a linguistic perspective on second language acquisition.

Lydia White (Author)

9780521796477, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 March 2003

330 pages, 10 b/w illus. 51 tables
22.6 x 15 x 1.5 cm, 0.53 kg

"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

This authoritative 2003 textbook provides an overview and analysis of current second language acquisition research conducted within the generative linguistic framework. Lydia White argues that second language acquisition is constrained by principles and parameters of Universal Grammar. The book focuses on characterizing and explaining the underlying linguistic competence of second language learners in terms of these contraints. Theories as to the role of Universal Grammar and the extent of mother tongue influence are presented and discussed, with particular consideration given to the nature of the interlanguage grammar at different points in development, from the initial state to ultimate attainment. Throughout the book, hypotheses maintaining that second language grammars are constrained by universal principles are contrasted with claims that Universal Grammar is not implicated; relevant empirical research is presented from both sides of the debate. This textbook is essential reading for those studying second language acquisition from a linguistic perspective.

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.

Subject Areas: Linguistics [CF]