The Logical and Developmental Problems of Second Language Acquisition in the Minimalist Program

Abstract

Generative approaches to second language acquisition (GenSLA) are based on the research of Universal Grammar (UG). To the extent that UG is crystalized, GenSLA can contribute to SLA research. In the minimalist program seeking genuine explanations of linguistic phenomena, an overspecified UG with rich parameters postulated in the Principles-and-Parameters approach is no longer untenable in terms of learnability, evolvability and universality. This paper discusses the logical and developmental problems of SLA, considering the current state of affairs of the minimalist program. In particular, it summarizes Miyamoto et al. (2024), focusing on the SLA of operator features. The paper also demonstrates that the input violating structure dependence does not become intake in SLA, emphasizing a difference between input and intake.