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Metalinguistic ability and primary linguistic data

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2010

M. A. Sharwood Smith
Affiliation:
Utrecht University, 3513 JK Utrecht, The Netherlands. mike.s.smith@let.ruu.nl

Abstract

The role of metalinguistic ability in L2 development is seriously underestimated. It may be seen both (1) as a means of initiating or boosting the flow of primary linguistic data and (2) as a generator of substitute knowledge (derived, but epistemologically distinct from domain-specific knowledge) that may compete with or compensate for perceived gaps in the learners current underlying competence. It cannot serve as a simple means of distinguishing the rival theoretical positions.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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