CUP - Second Language Acquisition and Universal Grammar - (2003).pdf - teaching English - YasminLight

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Second Language Acquisition and Universal Grammar

This authoritative textbook provides an overview and analysis of current second

language acquisition research conducted within the generative linguistic frame-

work. Lydia White argues that second language acquisition is constrained by prin-

ciples 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 the 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.

LYDIA WHITE is Professor of Linguistics at McGill University, Montreal, 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 regu-

larly in major international journals on language acquisition.

CAMBRIDGE TEXTBOOKS IN LINGUISTICS

General editors : P. AUSTIN, J. BRESNAN, B. COMRIE,

W. DRESSLER, C. J. EWEN, R. HUDDLESTON, R. LASS,

D. LIGHTFOOT, I. ROBERTS, S. ROMAINE, N. V. SMITH,

N. VINCENT

Second Language Acquisition

and Universal Grammar

CUP - Second Language Acquisition and Universal Grammar - (2003).pdf