1.2.2 Parameters Parameters reflect the differences between different languages.
PG=α · UG
PG: particular grammar α: parameters eg. Pro-drop parameter(代词脱落参数)
1.2 Principle-Parameter model of UG
The basic concept of UG are principles(原则)and parameters(参数) . They reveal the commonalities and differences between natural languages respectively.
Universal Grammar in Second Language Acquisition
1. Introduction Contents
1.1 Definition of Universal Grammar 1.2 Principle-Parameter model of Universal Grammar
4. Conclusion
UG was proposed in response to “the logical problem of FLA” and there are kinds of problem in its application in SLA, but it does have influence on SLA to some extent. The efficiency as well as the state of FLA are much more better than those of SLA. All the differences between FLA and SLA lead to the different influences of UG on FLA and SLA. i.e. UG works in FLA directly, but it works in SLA through first language. So , most people agree with the indirect accessibility hypothesis.
consists of two kinds of parameter settings(参 数设定). One is pro-drop(可代词脱落) and another one is non-pro-drop(非代词脱落).
Whether to allow pro-drop or null subject (零主 语)is a sign of language difference. English is a nonpro-drop language while Chinese is a pro-drop language.
It is raining.
下雨了。
From this example, we can see that pro-drop parameter marks a difference between English and Chinese.
2. The accessibility of UG to SLA
2.3 Inaccessibility of UG to SLA
Inaccessibility hypothesis(完全不可及假说) denies all the influence of UG on SLA. It assumes that the parameters of UG have been set in the process of FLA. They can not be reset. The assignment of second language learner is finished by his psychological device and cognitive strategies. It means that only first language learner can use UG.
普遍语法
其他心理机制
直接可及
不可及
间接可及
第一语言
第二语言
3.The problem of the application of UG in SLA
The biggest problem of the application of UG in SLA is that Chomsky’s theory of UG was proposed in response to “the logical problem of FLA”. There are some significant differences between FLA and SLA. ⑴ The process of FLA is natural and unconscious, but that of SLA is conscious. ⑵ Cognitive ability of children is still in the immature stage while that of adult is already mature.
1.2.1 Principles(原则)
Principles refer to the abstractly grammatical property(抽象语法属性)which can be applied to all human language. A certain language may not have some principles. But there is no language can violate these principle.
2.1. Indirect accessibility of UG to SLA
Indirect accessibility hypothesis(间接可及假说) assumes that UG works in SLA through the grammar of mother tongue. When the parameter setting of second language is different from that of first language, the second learner can not use the parameter which has been lost in UG. They can only reset the parameter of mother tongue grammar
3. The problem of the application of UG in SLA 4. Conclusion
1. Introduction
1.1 Definition of Universal Grammar
Chomsky thought that Universal Grammar (UG) is a special device of human brain which can help people learn language quickly. It is an unconscious and potential knowledge which exists in human brain without learning and determines the existing appearance of human language. Just because of this special device, the most stupid person can talk whil speak.
2.2 Direct accessibility of UG to SLA
Direct accessibility hypothesis(直接可及假说) assumes that process of FLA and that of SLA is totally the same. People learn both first language and second language by setting parameters to UG. So if UG can be used in FLA, it must can be applied in SLA. Second language learner makes full use of UG including the part which is not reflected in his mother tongue. The learner’s grammar of second language is determined by UG completely.
⑶ The environment of FLA and that of SLA are different.
⑷The input modes are different. Children get first language input through spoken language. Adults get second language input through spoken language, written language as well as notation.
⑸In the process of FLA, there is no interference from other language. But in the process of SLA, learner uses mother tongue constantly. Mother tongue and second language will interact each other somehow.
2. The accessibility of Universal Grammar to Second Language Acquisition