Second Language Acquisition and Universal Grammar

by Lydia White

Overview

This authoritative textbook is 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 along with relevant empirical research. Properties of early developmental stage grammars are examined, as well as the nature of the final outcome of the acquisition process.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521792059
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/06/2003
Series:	Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics
Pages:	334
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.87(d)

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.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"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

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher