Linguistic Theory in Second Language Acquisition

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

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2. Introduction

   1. Introduction

      • Suzanne Flynn, Wayne O’Neil

      Pages 1-24

3. Theoretical and Historical Context for Second Language Acquisition

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 25-25

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   2. Linguistic Theory: Generative Grammar

      • Ken Hale

      Pages 26-33

   3. The Ontogenesis of the Field of Second Language Learning Research

      • Frederick J. Newmeyer, Steven H. Weinberger

      Pages 34-45

4. Parameters

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 46-46

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   2. Parameterized Grammatical Theory and Language Acquisition

      • Harald Clahsen

      Pages 47-75

   3. Nature of Development in L2 Acquisition and Implications for Theories of Language Acquisition in General

      • Suzanne Flynn

      Pages 76-89

   4. Linguistic Theory, Neurolinguistics and Second Language Acquisition

      • Lisa Travis

      Pages 90-108

   5. Second Language Acquisition: A Biolinguistic Perspective

      • Lyle Jenkins

      Pages 109-116

   6. Neurolinguistics and Parameter Setting

      • Loraine K. Obler

      Pages 117-125

5. Markedness in Second Language Acquisition

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 126-126

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   2. The Acquisition of Infinitive and Gerund Complements by Second Language Learners

      • Irene Mazurkewich

      Pages 127-143

   3. Island Effects in Second Language Acquisition

      • Lydia White

      Pages 144-172

   4. On the Role of Linguistic Theory in Explanations of Second Language Developmental Grammars

      • Michael Sharwood Smith

      Pages 173-198

   5. L2 Learnability: Delimiting the Domain of Core Grammar as Distinct from the Marked Periphery

      • Juana M. Liceras

      Pages 199-224

   6. Kinds of Markedness

      • J. W. Gair

      Pages 225-250

6. Additional Evidence for Universal Grammar

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 251-251

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   2. The Categorial Status of Modals and L2 Acquisition

      • Liliane Haegeman

      Pages 252-276

   3. UG-Generated Knowledge in Adult Second Language Acquisition

      • Sascha W. Felix

      Pages 277-294

Suzanne Flynn and Wayne O'Neil Massachusetts Institute of Technology I. INTRODUCTION The theory of Universal Grammar (UG) as explicated e. g. in Chomsky, 1986, has led to explosive developments in the study of natural language as well as to significant advances in the study of first language (L I) acquisition. Most recently. the theory of UG has led to important theore­ tical and empirical advances in the field of adult second language (L2) acquisition as well. The principle impetus for this development can be traced to the work in linguistics which shifted the study "from behavior or the products of behavior to states of the mind/brain that enter into behavior" (Chomksy. 1986:3). Grammars within this framework are conceived of as theoretical accounts of "the state of the mind/brain of the person who knows a particular language" (Chomsky. 1986:3). Research within fields of language acquisition seeks to isolate and specify the properties of the underlying competence necessary for language learning. Full development of a theory of UG demands study and understanding of the nature of both the formal properties of language and of the language acquisition process itself. However. while there is a tradition of debate and dialogue established between theoretical linguistics and Ll acquisition research. relatively few connections have been made between linguistic theory and L2 acquisition research.

• Language Learning
• SLA
• Second language acquisition
• Sprachentwicklungsstörungen
• grammar
• language acquisition
• language development
• morphology
• second language

• Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA

  Suzanne Flynn

• Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA

  Wayne O’Neil

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