ENGLISH

Universal Grammar and language learnability

By Saleemi A.P.

Book information

Publisher
CUP
Year
1992
ISBN
0521400759, 9780521400756
LCC
P118 .S175 1992
Open Library ID
OL2028114M
Language
english
Format
DJVU
Filesize
1 MB (1307752 bytes)
Series
Cambridge Studies in Linguistics
Pages
179\179
Library
Kolxo3
DPI
300
Scanned
yes
Time added
2011-07-22 07:35:22

Description

Anjum P. Saleemi argues that the acquisition of language as a cognitive system can properly be understood by pairing the formal approach to learning, often known as learnability theory, with Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar and its claim that human language is innately constrained, with some predefined space for variation. Focusing on specific areas of syntax, such as binding theory and the null subject parameter, Dr Saleemi unites learnability theory's methodology with Chomsky's principles-and-parameters model, and construes acquisition as a function of linguistic principles with largely domain-specific learning procedures, mediated by environmental input. The aim of this study is to show that a self-contained linguistic theory cannot by itself be psychologically plausible, but depends on a compatible theory of learning which embraces developmental as well as formal issues.

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