Phonology in Multilingual Grammars: Representational Complexity and Linguistic Interfaces

This book explores the nature of an interlanguage grammar, arguing that phonological knowledge underlies the surface phonetic properties of L2 speech. It proposes a complex, hierarchically-structured, mental representation governed by linguistic theory, addressing Plato's problem and Orwell's problem. The study of grammatical interfaces reveals the necessary design conditions for a comprehensive model of second language speech, and concludes by discussing the underrepresentation of phonology in generative approaches to second language acquisition and its implications for applied linguistics and language pedagogy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

This book delves into profound inquiries about the nature of an interlanguage grammar, specifically focusing on the grammar of bilinguals. John Archibald approaches these questions from a cognitive science perspective, utilizing abstract representational structures to illustrate that phonological knowledge underpins the surface phonetic properties of L2 speech. He argues that interlanguage grammars are not inherently impaired, fundamentally different, or shallow as some have suggested. Instead, Archibald posits that interlanguage grammars are complex, hierarchically structured, and mental representations governed by the principles of linguistic theory, including Universal Grammar.

The book outlines a comprehensive model that addresses Plato's problem of learning in the absence of evidence and Orwell's problem of resistance to learning in the face of abundant evidence. Furthermore, the study of grammatical interfaces, such as phonetics/phonology, phonology/morphology, and phonology/syntax, reveals the necessary design conditions for an internally consistent architecture for a comprehensive model of second language speech. The resulting empirically-motivated model is parsimonious, accounting for all aspects of L2 speech, from phonological features to segments, words, and sentences.

In conclusion, the book explores why phonology has been underrepresented in generative approaches to second language acquisition and examines the implications of second language phonology for applied linguistics and language pedagogy. This insightful work provides valuable insights into the complex nature of interlanguage grammar and its implications for language learning and teaching.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190923341