Meaning in the Second Language

ISBN-13: 9783110203226 / Angielski / Twarda / 2008 / 337 str.

Roumyana Slabakova

Opis

The book examines which linguistic properties are hard and which are easy to acquire when learning a second language. The Bottleneck Hypothesis is proposed, which states that inflectional morphemes and their features present the most formidable challenge to learners, while syntax and phrasal semantics pose less difficulty. The numerous empirical studies reviewed in the book indicate that there is no critical period for acquisition of meaning. The findings suggest that an enhanced focus on practicing grammar in language classrooms will be beneficial to learners.

Recenzje

"The valuable contribution of this monograph to the acquisition of meaning in a second language is timely after initial experimental studies have probed both complex semantics (e.g. Montrul and Slabakova, 2003) and simple semantics (e.g.Dekydtspotter, 2001). Slabakova's critical review and proposal of the Bottleneck Hypothesis will allow researchers to take stock of current developments in the field. This is a valuable contribution to the field of language acquisition and will be of significant interest to researchers and graduate students."
Kevin McManus in: Linguist List 20.2378

O autorze

Roumyana Slabakova, University of Iowa, USA.