Institute of Foreign Languages, RUPP Second Language Acquisition (TESOL2006)

Department of English Lecturer: Song Panha (SPA)

Lecture Note

Understanding Universal Grammar, Principles & Parameters, and Functional approaches

in Second Language Acquisition:

I. Universal Grammar

What is Universal Grammar (UG)? is a theory proposed by

linguist Noam Chomsky that suggests humans are born with an
innate ability to acquire and generate language. In the context
of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Universal Grammar
refers to the innate linguistic knowledge or set of principles that
underlie all languages. According to this theory, all human
languages share a common structural basis, and this underlying
structure is hardwired in the human brain.

II. Principle and Parameters is a

linguistic theory proposed by Noam
Chomsky in the 1980s that seeks to explain
the way languages are learned and processed
by the human mind. It forms the basis for
understanding language acquisition in
Second Language Acquisition (SLA).
This theory says there are basic rules (principles) all
languages follow, but they have different settings
(parameters). When kids learn their first language, they
adjust these settings based on what they hear. Learning a
second language means using the same rules but
changing the settings to fit the new language.

Different languages put words in different orders in sentences. For instance, some have a pattern
like "subject-verb-object," while others might use "subject-object-verb." People learning a new
language have to change their default word order to fit the new language they're learning.
Institute of Foreign Languages, RUPP Second Language Acquisition (TESOL2006)
Department of English Lecturer: Song Panha (SPA)

III. Functional approaches

Functional approaches focus on how things work in real life rather than just how they
look. In linguistics, this means seeing language as a toolbox for getting things done, like
asking questions or being polite. It's about understanding how we use words and tone to
achieve specific goals in communication.

• The term "function" in linguistics has two main interpretations.

- Structural function
- Pragmatic function

Four of the functional approaches which have been influential in SLA are
Systemic Linguistics, Functional Typology, function-to-form mapping,
and information organization.

 In Second Language Acquisition, systemic linguistics examines how language tools like
words and grammar fit together for learning. It's about understanding how these pieces
create meaning and communicate ideas.
 Functional typology compares languages to different tools in a toolbox. Each language
has its unique way of doing things, like word order or special words, but they achieve the
same goals. Studying this helps see how languages differ but still get the job done.
For example, some languages might use word order to show who's doing an action, while others
use special words. Let's say in one language you'd say "I eat apple," and in another, you'd say
"Apple, I eat." Even though they're different, they both mean the same thing
Institute of Foreign Languages, RUPP Second Language Acquisition (TESOL2006)
Department of English Lecturer: Song Panha (SPA)

Studying functional typology helps us see these differences and similarities between languages.
It's like understanding how different tools in a toolbox work—they might look different, but they
all help get the job done!

The table talks about how certain language features from your first language (L1) affect learning
a second language (L2). Marked in L1, Unmarked in L2: It means things that are less common or
more complex in your first language might not easily transfer to the second language. But
simpler things from your first language will likely be easier to learn in the second language.
Unmarked in L1, Marked in L2: If something is straightforward or common in your first
language, it's more likely to transfer and be easier to learn in the second language, even if it's less
common in that new language.
 In second language learning, "function-to-form mapping" means connecting what you
want to say with the right words and grammar in the new language. It's about
understanding how different parts of language, like words and grammar, express specific
meanings.
For example, if you want to talk about the future, you need to know which verb forms to use.
Also, it involves knowing how words and grammar show respect or politeness. Getting this
mapping right helps learners speak and understand the new language better. As they practice,
they get better at choosing the right words and grammar to express themselves clearly.

 In second language learning, information organization is about how learners sort and
structure what they learn in the new language. It covers vocabulary, grammar, how
sentences are put together, and how language is used in different situations.
For instance, learners tend to start with using nouns but not verbs, then gradually add verbs
without using all the right grammar. Eventually, they get better at using correct grammar in
sentences. Learners use a few key principles to organize what they learn. These principles, like
how phrases work or what words mean, change in importance as learners get better in the new
language.