Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective
In Universal Grammar, syntax is explained through X-bar theory. X-bar theory is the component of Universal Grammar which specifies the hierarchical structure of the heads of phrases, their specifiers and complements. Investigating the availability of this component in adults learning a second langua...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Universiti Putra Malaysia Press
2011
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| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40648/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40648/1/2.pdf |
| _version_ | 1848849485999898624 |
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| author | Saeipoor, Neda Mustapha, Ghazali Ismail, Ismi Arif Krauss, Steven Eric |
| author_facet | Saeipoor, Neda Mustapha, Ghazali Ismail, Ismi Arif Krauss, Steven Eric |
| author_sort | Saeipoor, Neda |
| building | UPM Institutional Repository |
| collection | Online Access |
| description | In Universal Grammar, syntax is explained through X-bar theory. X-bar theory is the component of Universal Grammar which specifies the hierarchical structure of the heads of phrases, their specifiers and complements. Investigating the availability of this component in adults learning a second language can provide a better insight into the process of second language learning. This study attempted to find out if the X-bar theory is accessible to Malay speaking adults learning English as a second language and to investigate the possible developmental stages of syntactic knowledge, with regards to Malay adult second language learners writing in English. The data show that the learners can apply the word-order parameter and the null-subject parameter in their spontaneous writing at earlier stages. This implies the availability of the VP-related nodes of the X-bar tree at the first stage of learning grammar. The IP-related agreement parameter and the CP-related auxiliary movement emerge later as the learners become more and more proficient in the second language. |
| first_indexed | 2025-11-15T09:51:09Z |
| format | Article |
| id | upm-40648 |
| institution | Universiti Putra Malaysia |
| institution_category | Local University |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2025-11-15T09:51:09Z |
| publishDate | 2011 |
| publisher | Universiti Putra Malaysia Press |
| recordtype | eprints |
| repository_type | Digital Repository |
| spelling | upm-406482015-10-08T01:53:15Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40648/ Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective Saeipoor, Neda Mustapha, Ghazali Ismail, Ismi Arif Krauss, Steven Eric In Universal Grammar, syntax is explained through X-bar theory. X-bar theory is the component of Universal Grammar which specifies the hierarchical structure of the heads of phrases, their specifiers and complements. Investigating the availability of this component in adults learning a second language can provide a better insight into the process of second language learning. This study attempted to find out if the X-bar theory is accessible to Malay speaking adults learning English as a second language and to investigate the possible developmental stages of syntactic knowledge, with regards to Malay adult second language learners writing in English. The data show that the learners can apply the word-order parameter and the null-subject parameter in their spontaneous writing at earlier stages. This implies the availability of the VP-related nodes of the X-bar tree at the first stage of learning grammar. The IP-related agreement parameter and the CP-related auxiliary movement emerge later as the learners become more and more proficient in the second language. Universiti Putra Malaysia Press 2011-09 Article PeerReviewed application/pdf en http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40648/1/2.pdf Saeipoor, Neda and Mustapha, Ghazali and Ismail, Ismi Arif and Krauss, Steven Eric (2011) Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 19 (2). pp. 291-304. ISSN 0128-7702; ESSN: 2231-8534 http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/Pertanika%20PAPERS/JSSH%20Vol.%2019%20%282%29%20Sept.%202011/2.pdf |
| spellingShingle | Saeipoor, Neda Mustapha, Ghazali Ismail, Ismi Arif Krauss, Steven Eric Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective |
| title | Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective |
| title_full | Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective |
| title_fullStr | Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective |
| title_full_unstemmed | Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective |
| title_short | Second language learner's access to parameters of Universal Grammar: a syntactic perspective |
| title_sort | second language learner's access to parameters of universal grammar: a syntactic perspective |
| url | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40648/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40648/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40648/1/2.pdf |