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A multiple process solution to the logical problem of language acquisition.

Brian MacWhinney1

  • 1Departmnet of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. macw@cmu.edu

Journal of Child Language
|January 22, 2005
PubMed
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The logical problem in language acquisition may be solved by positive data, challenging the need for universal grammar constraints. Simple learning procedures explain grammar acquisition without relying solely on innate structures.

Area of Science:

  • Linguistics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • The logical problem in language acquisition posits that input is insufficient for grammar learning.
  • Children often ignore corrective feedback, suggesting reliance on innate universal grammar.
  • Existing theories propose universal grammar constraints to solve this problem.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the logical problem in language acquisition.
  • To demonstrate that positive data is sufficient for learning grammatical structures.
  • To propose alternative learning mechanisms beyond universal grammar.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of child language corpora to identify positive exemplars.
  • Formulation of simple learning procedures using available positive data.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Examination of emergentist theory and its implications for language acquisition.

    • Main Results:

    • Claims regarding the absence of positive exemplars in language input are challenged.
    • Simple learning procedures can account for the acquisition of complex syntactic structures.
    • Emergentist theory provides a framework for understanding language development through supportive processes.

    Conclusions:

    • The logical problem may be resolved without invoking innate universal grammar constraints.
    • Positive data and simple learning procedures are sufficient for grammar acquisition.
    • Grammatical competition and processing load explain variations in learning difficulty.