Psychology of Language Learning

UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR THEORIES

First Language Theory

 These theories are based on Noam Chomsky’s claim that there are certain principles that
form the basis on which knowledge of language develops.
 (Main Assumption: language acquisition is innately determined and that we are born
with a certain system of language.)

What is Universal Grammar Theory (UG)?

► some rules of grammar are hard-wired into the brain, and manifest without being
taught (unconscious).
► Chomsky suggested that the human brain contains a limited set of rules for organizing
Language. Therefore, all languages have common structural basis
► LAD – Language Acquisition Device (see appendix A)

 UG theories (originally for L1) of L2 acquisition were generated in order to provide

explanations for empirical evidence and they were primarily concerned with the internal
mechanisms that lead to the acquisition of the formal aspects of the target language and
the similarities and the differences between acquiring a particular language as L1 and L2.

UG MODELS
1. Completion Model (Felix, 1985)
a. Language-Specific Cognitive  Governed by principles
System (LSC - System) similar to the
principles of the  Identifying
Universal Grammar language as a
 It is argued that the cognitive
children’s learning system means
process is guided by that it is
the LSC-system, while inherent in
adults employ the mind,
the problem solving operates
module which then according to
enters into competition precise
with the language- principles and
specific system computations,
 and interacts
b. Problem-Solving Cognitive  largely unknown with external
System (PSC – System)  identified as one of the cognitive
basic life functions of systems to
the natural intelligence pass from the
of the brain (Patel & unconscious
Patel, 2006). linguistic
 Problem solving is a knowledge to

Prepared by: HERFORD REI B. GUIBANGGUIBANG

Psychology of Language Learning

cognitive process of performance.

the brain that searches
a solution for a given
problem or finds a path
to reach a given goal.

2. Creative Construction Theory (Dulay & Burt, 1974)

 As learners are exposed to input, whether it be via reading or listening, they begin to
form mental representations of the language and its structure.
 Suggests that children engaged in L2 learning progressively by reconstructing rules
first the target language speech they hear guided by a universal innate mechanism
which lead to construct certain types of hypothesis about the target language.


Prepared by: HERFORD REI B. GUIBANGGUIBANG

Psychology of Language Learning

APPENDIX A

Prepared by: HERFORD REI B. GUIBANGGUIBANG