Key Questions in Second Language Acquisition An Introduction

In this chapter we review the competing perspectives on the role of language transfer, namely, the role that a first language plays in the acquisition of a second language. Do learners begin with the L1 and transfer all properties and processes into L2 acquisition? Or is transfer partial and selective at the outset? Or do L2 learners not transfer any aspects of the L1 and begin with universal properties of language and universal processes for acquiring language? As such, we review such key hypotheses as Full Access, Full Transfer/Full Access, and important constructs such as minimal trees, input processing, and processability. We also touch on the notion of third and subsequent language acquisition and competing perspectives on what languages get transferred if any (and how).