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Language Acquisition

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

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Language Acquisition

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  1. Language Acquisition GST 400 Bethany Gilliam 04/10/06

  2. Outline • Introduction to linguistic theory • The innateness of learning language • L2 acquisition as a model of computation • Teaching machines language

  3. Linguistic Theory • Chomskyan Revolution and modern linguistic theory development • Current debates

  4. 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)

  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).

  6. 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

  7. 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).

  8. 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?

  9. 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.

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