Language AcquisitionLanguage Acquisition

GST 400GST 400

Bethany GilliamBethany Gilliam

04/10/0604/10/06

OutlineOutline

► Introduction to linguistic theoryIntroduction to linguistic theory►The innateness of learning languageThe innateness of learning language►L2 acquisition as a model of L2 acquisition as a model of

computationcomputation►Teaching machines languageTeaching machines language

Linguistic TheoryLinguistic Theory

►Chomskyan Revolution and modern Chomskyan Revolution and modern linguistic theory developmentlinguistic theory development

►Current debatesCurrent debates

Roger HawkinsRoger Hawkins

► Is the mechanism responsible for Is the mechanism responsible for language acquisition innate?language acquisition innate?

►Evidence proving this theory:Evidence proving this theory: Production of original output without Production of original output without

previous exposure (Hawkins 4)previous exposure (Hawkins 4) Ability of native speakers to detect errors Ability of native speakers to detect errors

without having input (Hawkins 5)without having input (Hawkins 5)

Characteristics of language which prove Characteristics of language which prove its innateness, according to Hawkinsits innateness, according to Hawkins

►All infants with normal learning All infants with normal learning abilities are able to learn any language abilities are able to learn any language (Hawkins 6).(Hawkins 6).

►Language acquisition is rapid (Hawkins Language acquisition is rapid (Hawkins 6).6).

►Acquisition is effortless (Hawkins 7).Acquisition is effortless (Hawkins 7).►Correction by another party is futile Correction by another party is futile

(Hawkins 7).(Hawkins 7).

Second Language Acquisition: Second Language Acquisition: Model of Computation?Model of Computation?

►Definition of final grammar state Definition of final grammar state (White 131).(White 131).

►Final grammar state is comparable to Final grammar state is comparable to a set of algorithms.a set of algorithms.

►These algorithms are active in second These algorithms are active in second language acquisition.language acquisition. Example: “she” vs. “I” in verb conjugationExample: “she” vs. “I” in verb conjugation

L2 Acquisition and Computation L2 Acquisition and Computation ContinuedContinued

►One is acquiring “a mental One is acquiring “a mental representation on the basis of representation on the basis of deficient input” (White 133).deficient input” (White 133).

►Trial-and-error process of L2 Trial-and-error process of L2 acquisition is comparable to a neural acquisition is comparable to a neural network.network. SVO syntax in native English speakers SVO syntax in native English speakers

acquiring German (Hawkins 127).acquiring German (Hawkins 127).

Problems with Problems with teaching machines language.teaching machines language.

►Language as binary code:Language as binary code: One can program a machine to accept One can program a machine to accept

language.language. A Turing machine is capable of A Turing machine is capable of

synthesizing this information and synthesizing this information and producing output in the same form. producing output in the same form.

►The Chinese Room is different from L2 The Chinese Room is different from L2 acquisition:acquisition: The “man” does understand language, The “man” does understand language,

but does he acquire semantics?but does he acquire semantics?

SourcesSources

► Hawkins, Roger. Hawkins, Roger. Second Language Syntax: A Second Language Syntax: A Generative IntroductionGenerative Introduction. Massachusetts: Blackwell . Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers, Inc., 2001.Publishers, Inc., 2001.

► White, Lydia. “Second Language Acquisition: From White, Lydia. “Second Language Acquisition: From Initial to Final State”. Initial to Final State”. Second Language AcquisitionSecond Language Acquisition and and Linguistic TheoryLinguistic Theory. Ed. John Archibald. Oxford: . Ed. John Archibald. Oxford: Blackwell Publishes Ltd, 2000. 130-155.Blackwell Publishes Ltd, 2000. 130-155.