How Second Languages are Learned An Introduction

The findings of previous chapters are brought together to inform the kind of theory that is necessary to explain how second languages are learned. Such a theory involves the interaction of a conceptual/intentional system where propositions are formed, two types of innate knowledge (Universal Grammar (UG) and domain-general processes), three kinds of memory (working memory, short-term memory and long-term memory), and input. A number of existing hypotheses about the role of UG in second language (L2) learning and how L2 grammars develop over time are compared.