Abstract
The theory of language learning finds both a problem area and a source of energy in the tension between similarity and diversity of natural language. On the one hand, different languages show a great underlying similarity of structure, as demonstrated by contemporary advances in linguistic theory. To the extent that properties of different languages are similar, they can (at least as a first hypothesis, subject to further evidence) be taken to be innate. In this respect, the language learning problem is solved. On the other hand, there are clear and systematic differences between different natural languages. Since the field proceeds from the solidly based fact that any normal child can learn any natural language, the theory of language learning must provide an explanation of how the differences in languages can be learned. Since these differences are not universal, they cannot be innate.
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Truscott, J., Wexler, K. (1989). Some Problems in the Parametric Analysis of Learnability. In: Matthews, R.J., Demopoulos, W. (eds) Learnability and Linguistic Theory. Studies in Theoretical Psycholinguistics, vol 9. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0955-7_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0955-7_8
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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