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.