L1 and L2 Word Order Acquisition

Abstract

Many parameters proposed in the literature are construction specific to a greater or lesser degree. This has some unfortunate consequences. First, such parameters do not provide an explanation for the rapidity and success of first-language (L1) acquisition. Second, they make it hard to test hypotheses about the nature of second-language (L2) acquisition. In this article, a version of the OV/VO parameter is developed that is not construction specific. It relates various empirical domains, including basic word order, scrambling, Exceptional Case Marking, and the distribution of particles. If correct, this parameter reduces the number of learning tasks for the child. It also allows evaluation of the various hypotheses about the accessibility of parameters in L2 acquisition. Following Clahsen and Muysken (1986; 1989), we argue that, whereas L1 acquisition is a process of parameter setting, L2 acquisition crucially involves the: positing of construction-specific rules, a process guided by general learning strategies.