Learnability and the Lexicon

Theories and second language acquisition research

Author

Alan Juffs | University of Pittsburgh

Hardbound – Available

ISBN 9789027224781 (Eur) | EUR 105.00

ISBN 9781556197758 (USA) | USD 158.00

e-Book –

ISBN 9789027285645 | EUR 105.00 | USD 158.00

This book provides a critical review of recent theories of semantics-syntax correspondences and makes new proposals for constraints on semantic structure relevant to syntax. Data from several languages are presented which suggest that semantic structure in root morphemes is subject to parametric variation which has effect across a variety of verb classes, including locatives, unaccusatives, and psych verbs.

The implications for first and second language acquisition are discussed. In particular, it is suggested that different parametric settings may lead to a learnability problem if adult learners do not retain access to sensitivity to underlying semantic organization and morphological differences between languages provided by Universal Grammar.

An experiment with Chinese-speaking learners of English is presented which shows that learners initially transfer L1 semantic organization to the L2, but are able to retreat from overgeneralisations and achieve native-like grammars in this area.

Suggestions for further research in this rapidly developing area of theory and acquisition research are also made.

[Language Acquisition and Language Disorders, 12] 1996. xi, 277 pp.

Publishing status: Available

https://doi.org/10.1075/lald.12

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments | p. xiii

1. Linguistic Theory, Language Acquisition, and the lexicon | p. 1

2. Generative approaches to semantic-syntax correspondences | p. 32

3. Semantic structure: crosslinguistic patterns and constraints | p. 76

4. Acquiring Semantic-Syntax Correspondences | p. 128

5. Testing knowledge of semantic-syntax correspondences in a second language | p. 169

6. Analysis and discussion | p. 205

7. Epilogue | p. 230

Appendix I: English Locative Verbs | p. 253

Appendix II: Chinese Locative Verbs and Arguments Structures | p. 255

Appendix III: Test of Verb Meanings | p. 259

Appendix IV: Production task | p. 261

Appendix V: Grammaticality Judgement Task | p. 262

Index | p. 267

“This book is the first and so far most comprehensive study of the acquisition of argument structure in a second language within a generative framework. It is a fascinating window into the cognitive processes of L2 acquisition. It should find a place on the shelves of anyone interested in the relationship between linguistics and language acquisition.”

Antonella Sorace in Journal of Linguistics 36, 2000

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