Language Acquisition
GST 400
Bethany Gilliam
04/10/06
Outline
► Introduction
to linguistic theory
► The innateness of learning language
► L2 acquisition as a model of computation
► Teaching machines language
Linguistic Theory
► Chomskyan
Revolution and modern
linguistic theory development
► Current
debates
Roger Hawkins
► Is
the mechanism responsible for language
acquisition innate?
► Evidence proving this theory:
 Production of original output without previous
exposure (Hawkins 4)
 Ability of native speakers to detect errors
without having input (Hawkins 5)
Characteristics of language which prove its
innateness, according to Hawkins
► All
infants with normal learning abilities are
able to learn any language (Hawkins 6).
► Language acquisition is rapid (Hawkins 6).
► Acquisition is effortless (Hawkins 7).
► Correction by another party is futile
(Hawkins 7).
Second Language Acquisition: Model
of Computation?
► Definition
of final grammar state (White
131).
► Final grammar state is comparable to a set
of algorithms.
► These algorithms are active in second
language acquisition.
 Example: “she” vs. “I” in verb conjugation
L2 Acquisition and Computation
Continued
► One
is acquiring “a mental representation
on the basis of deficient input” (White 133).
► Trial-and-error
process of L2 acquisition is
comparable to a neural network.
 SVO syntax in native English speakers acquiring
German (Hawkins 127).
Problems with
teaching machines language.
► Language
as binary code:
 One can program a machine to accept
language.
 A Turing machine is capable of synthesizing this
information and producing output in the same
form.
► The
Chinese Room is different from L2
acquisition:
 The “man” does understand language, but does
he acquire semantics?
Sources
►
►
Hawkins, Roger. Second Language Syntax: A Generative
Introduction. Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers, Inc.,
2001.
White, Lydia. “Second Language Acquisition: From Initial
to Final State”. Second Language Acquisition and Linguistic
Theory. Ed. John Archibald. Oxford: Blackwell Publishes
Ltd, 2000. 130-155.