Mechanisms for language acquisition: learning, parameter-setting and triggering

Abstract

This paper discusses views on the nature of developmental mechanisms put forward by formal leamability theorists, by linguistis studying the logical problem of language acquisition, and by Fodor in his deliberations on the development of concepts. It is argued that the differences between the parameter-setting model of language de velopment and the hypothesis formulation and testing approach of formal learning theory are quantitative rather than qualitative, and that Fodor's views on conceptual development embrace significantly different claims on the nature of developmental mechanisms to either of these attempts to explicate the nature of syntactic development.