We propose a preliminary model of a practical parameter setting procedure that aims at bridging the gap between descriptive and explanatory adequacy. We present a list of questions which can successfully set 94 binary parameters in 69 languages drawn from several different families using positive evidence only. Our proposal can be cast within a minimalist model of the language faculty, assuming an underspecified universal grammar and a rich network of implications among parameters. We argue that the workload of parameter setting can be significantly reduced by means of two assumptions: first by positing that only parameters with a positive value are set; second, by showing that parameters can be set exclusively on the basis of a core subset of positive evidence, which we call the Restricted List. We suggest that a model with these properties qualifies as a plausible framework for language acquisition studies, and also lends itself to be applied to closed corpora, such as those available as the sole sources for diachronic studies.
Syntactic diversity and language learnability
Paola Crisma
;
2020-01-01
Abstract
We propose a preliminary model of a practical parameter setting procedure that aims at bridging the gap between descriptive and explanatory adequacy. We present a list of questions which can successfully set 94 binary parameters in 69 languages drawn from several different families using positive evidence only. Our proposal can be cast within a minimalist model of the language faculty, assuming an underspecified universal grammar and a rich network of implications among parameters. We argue that the workload of parameter setting can be significantly reduced by means of two assumptions: first by positing that only parameters with a positive value are set; second, by showing that parameters can be set exclusively on the basis of a core subset of positive evidence, which we call the Restricted List. We suggest that a model with these properties qualifies as a plausible framework for language acquisition studies, and also lends itself to be applied to closed corpora, such as those available as the sole sources for diachronic studies.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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Crisma2020_withGuardianoLongobardi_SSL58_2.pdf
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