Linguistic Theory in Second Language Acquisition

Language ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 202
Author(s):  
Sara Thomas Rosen ◽  
Suzanne Flynn ◽  
Wayne O'Neil
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Linguistic Theory

The value of clitics in non-native Spanish

1985 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juana M. Liceras
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Linguistic Theory ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Parameter Setting ◽  
Conflicting Evidence ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
French And English

One of the tasks of second language acquisition research is to determine the ‘linguistic’ nature of interlanguage systems. To achieve this goal it is mandatory to formulate the properties of learners' grammars in terms of the theoretical constructs proposed by linguistic theory. I have proposed elsewhere (Liceras, 1985) that, permeability, one of those properties, is related to parameter setting. In this paper, it is hypothesized that the location of a given process in the different components of the grammar may also be relevant in the determination of permeability. In the light of conflicting evidence provided by the Spanish interlanguage of French and English speakers with respect to the value of clitics in the non-native grammar, it is suggested that, due to the nature of ‘intake’, L2 learners of Spanish may locate clitics in the lexicon (as affix-like elements) or postlexically (as words in the syntax) rather than giving them a unidimensional value. I have also suggested that non-native clitics may not share all the properties that are assigned to Modern Spanish clitic pronouns.

The epistemological status of second language acquisition

1986 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie D. Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Linguistic Theory ◽  
Linguistic Knowledge ◽  
Philosophical Debate ◽  
Language Research ◽  
Epistemological Status ◽  
Generative Approach ◽  
Epistemological Basis

In this paper I argue for the necessity of recognizing the epistemological basis of language (and hence of linguistic theory) for research in and theories of second language acquisition. In particular, I review the arguments for a generative approach to linguistic theory (e.g. Chomsky, 1965, 1975, 1981) and for why language as a system of knowledge must be distinct from other sorts of know ledge (Fodor, 1983), with the purpose of clarifying many misconceptions that seem to have arisen with respect to the work in generative grammar over the last 20 years. After doing this I argue that the null hypothesis for second language acquisition is, as concerns its mental representation of linguistic knowledge, that its epistemological status should be assumed to be the same as that of L 1 until proven otherwise. I then demonstrate how SLA theory (e.g. Krashen, 1981) can be elucidated by subsuming (parts of) L2 under linguistic theory with its firm epistemological basis, and how, in particular, one could empirically test Krashen's theory as well as any other theory of SLA that assumes L 1 and L2 to be epistemologically equivalent. In addition I discuss the need for researchers to consider the special epistemological status of linguistic knowledge before prescribing L2 pedagogy. In sum this is a paper that takes a step back into the philosophical debate concerning the mental status of language in general in order for us to be able to take a step forward in second language research in particular.

Second language acquisition: perceptions and possibilities

1993 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacquelyn Schachter
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Linguistic Theory ◽  
Important Research ◽  
Pedagogical Decisions ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Academic Politics

In this article I shall attempt to characterize some of the stresses and strains experienced by researchers in the field of second language acquisition (SLA), both intellectual and personal. I shall offer my perspective on how we are responding, and how we should be responding, to those stresses and strains. Together with this discussion of academic politics, I will interweave two research lines I consider important, research lines unique to the field of SLA, which should have impact both on linguistic theory making and on appropriate pedagogical decisions involving language classrooms.

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