Universal Grammar Parameter-Setting Model Revisited: Korean Learners' Acquisition of English Anaphora

Jung, Eunha

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Description

Title

Universal Grammar Parameter-Setting Model Revisited: Korean Learners' Acquisition of English Anaphora

Author(s)

Jung, Eunha

Issue Date

1999

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

J. Ronayne Cowan

Department of Study

Linguistics

Discipline

Linguistics

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Language, Modern

Language

eng

Abstract

Under the rubric of Universal Grammar, researchers have attempted to use the Parameter-Setting Model to explain the intricate nature of adult second language acquisition. This dissertation investigates the validity of applying the Subset Principle in second language contexts by examining Korean learners' acquisition of English reflexives. The major goal of the research is to evaluate the Subset Principle by comparing the research data with the predictions of the Subset Principle concerning the Governing Category Parameter and Proper Antecedent Principle. Antecedent judgment task results indicate that Korean learners of English do not have a great deal of difficulty acquiring the Governing Category Parameter in spite of the negative prediction of the Subset Principle. However, the same participants are confused by the Proper Antecedent Parameter in spite of the positive prediction. These results indicate that applying the predictions of the Subset Principle, which are often based on erroneous descriptions of languages under investigation, can lead to an overly simplistic and premature account of second language acquisition.

Graduation Semester

1999

Type of Resource

text

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