Universal Grammar in Second-Language Acquisition

A History

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book Universal Grammar in Second-Language Acquisition by Margaret Thomas, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Margaret Thomas ISBN: 9781134388530
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 31, 2004
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Margaret Thomas
ISBN: 9781134388530
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 31, 2004
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

From the ancient Mediterranean world to the present day, our conceptions of what is universal in language have interacted with our experiences of language learning. This book tells two stories: the story of how scholars in the west have conceived of the fact that human languages share important properties despite their obvious differences, and the story of how westerners have understood the nature of second or foreign language learning.
In narrating these two stories, the author argues that modern second language acquisition theory needs to reassess what counts as its own past. The book addresses Greek contributions to the prehistory of universal grammar, Roman bilingualism, the emergence of the first foreign language grammars in the early Middle Ages, and the Medieval speculative grammarians efforts to define the essentials of human language. The author shows how after the renaissance expanded people's awareness of language differences, scholars returned to the questions of universals in the context of second language learning, including in the 1660 Port-Royal grammar which Chomsky notoriously celebrated in Cartesian Linguistics. The book then looks at how Post-Saussurean European linguistics and American structuralism up to modern generative grammar have each differently conceived of universals and language learning.
Universal Grammar in Second Language Acquisition is a remarkable contribution to the history of linguistics and will be essential reading for students and scholars of linguistics, specialists in second language acquisition and language teacher-educators.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From the ancient Mediterranean world to the present day, our conceptions of what is universal in language have interacted with our experiences of language learning. This book tells two stories: the story of how scholars in the west have conceived of the fact that human languages share important properties despite their obvious differences, and the story of how westerners have understood the nature of second or foreign language learning.
In narrating these two stories, the author argues that modern second language acquisition theory needs to reassess what counts as its own past. The book addresses Greek contributions to the prehistory of universal grammar, Roman bilingualism, the emergence of the first foreign language grammars in the early Middle Ages, and the Medieval speculative grammarians efforts to define the essentials of human language. The author shows how after the renaissance expanded people's awareness of language differences, scholars returned to the questions of universals in the context of second language learning, including in the 1660 Port-Royal grammar which Chomsky notoriously celebrated in Cartesian Linguistics. The book then looks at how Post-Saussurean European linguistics and American structuralism up to modern generative grammar have each differently conceived of universals and language learning.
Universal Grammar in Second Language Acquisition is a remarkable contribution to the history of linguistics and will be essential reading for students and scholars of linguistics, specialists in second language acquisition and language teacher-educators.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Critical Perspectives on Linguistic Fixity and Fluidity by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book The Dark Side 3 by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book The Journey from Music Student to Teacher by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Imagining Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat in the Transnational Era by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book The World Wide Web and Contemporary Cultural Theory by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Beyond Charismatic Leadership by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Inspiring Leaders by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Reconsidering the Moveable Frame in Psychoanalysis by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book The Englishwoman's Review of Social and Industrial Questions by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Beyond Home Ownership by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Accident And Design by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Rethinking German History (Routledge Revivals) by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Spaces for the Future by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book Anxiety at 35,000 Feet by Margaret Thomas
Cover of the book The Romantic Revolution in America: 1800-1860 by Margaret Thomas
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy