افاق للعلوم
Volume 9, Numéro 1, Pages 175-189
2024-01-08

Generative And Psycholinguistic Features Of Language Acquisition

Authors : Mhamedi Nadir .

Abstract

An adequate theory of second language acquisition is one that offers an account of what speakers know when they know language, how this knowledge is constructed and what factors may prospectively interfere with the construction of this knowledge. While numerous theoretical models have been proposed, Chomsky’s generative model stood the test of time as it provides a discussion of the underpinning modularity that generates structures and the parametric configurations of syntactic structures. His theory, however, is predominantly concerned with the development of first language. The present study, thus, has the goal of stretching the underlying conceptual tenets of Chomsky’s model to the process of second language acquisition and offering a theoretical discussion of the role of UG in the development of L2 mental grammar. The present study highlights the main contentions in the Critical Period Hypothesis in light of the generative Chomskyan principles.

Keywords

Generative Linguistics ; Universal Grammar ; Principles and Parameters ; Critical Period Hypothesis ; Chomskyan Linguistics