Introduction to Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition

In this chapter, the authors discuss the major cognitive approaches to second language acquisition. These include orientations that posit a unique language faculty (e.g., universal grammar and Krashen’s Monitor Model) as well as approaches focusing on general cognitive abilities (usage-based/emergentist and processing-based theories). What these approaches share is a common emphasis on the cognitive aspects of second language acquisition. The authors look at approaches to second language acquisition that advocate for a critical role of social and cultural factors in language acquisition, although they further show that a focus on such factors can be compatible with approaches that address cognitive abilities. In the case of second language acquisition, different perspectives exist with respect to the role (or availability) of universal grammar. One possibility is that universal grammar is only available for first language acquisition and cannot be accessed by adult learners.