Review of Pienemann (1998): Language processing and second language development: processability theory

2021 ◽  
pp. 190-193
Author(s):  
Dr. Fethi Mansouri
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Second Language Development ◽  
Processability Theory

Variation, individual differences and second language processing

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bronwen Patricia Dyson
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Second Language Processing ◽  
Second Language Development ◽  
Esl Learners ◽  
Academic Year

Abstract Research on second language acquisition has located individual variation, without clarifying whether language processing prompts learners to differ systematically in the production of syntax and morphology. To address this issue, the study examined the hypothesis on variation in Processability Theory. This theory predicts that, within second language development, individual learners vary systematically in how they respond to developmental conflicts. Specifically, learners have distinct types, which are evident in their use of options and 'trailers' (structures which emerge late). Longitudinal spoken data were collected over one academic year from six adolescent ESL learners. The results revealed different learner types in terms of syntactic options and trailers. However, the learners had less clear types for the morphological options, used unpredicted options, and lacked consistency in their use of syntactic and morphological trailers. The paper suggests that learners vary in processing due to diverse orientations towards the acquisition of either syntax or morphology.

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