Linguistic Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition: What is the logical problem of foreign language learning?

摘要: The linguistic data to which children are exposed appear be insufficient determine, by themselves, the knowledge that eventually attain. gap between available experience and attained competence forms what has been called logical problem of language acquisition. approach a solution, followed in theory over past two decades, is suggest bridged an innate Universal Grammar: system human can domain-specific procedures for arriving at grammar. classic statement Chomsky: A consideration character grammar acquired, degenerate quality narrowly limited extent data, striking uniformity resulting grammars, their independence intelligence, motivation emotional state, wide ranges variation, leave little hope much structure learned organism initially uninformed as its general character. (Chomsky 1965:58) Adults may also learn foreign languages. Abstractly, adult learning same childhood learning: explaining how acquisition takes place, given limitations data. But different, important ways. Foreign differs degree success, systems, susceptibility factors such motivation, previous state organism: learner already one powerful abstract problem-solving skills.