How Does Processing Drive Language Development? — Introducing Processing Determinism

doi:10.12002/j.bisu.218

Abstract

Abstract:

In the framework of processor-based emergentism, O’Grady proposes Processing Determinism, which states that the developmental profile of language is largely the product of processing-related pressures, in accordance with the thesis outlined as: the course of development is shaped by processing pressures (less costly > more costly). According to O’Grady, the course of development in the first and second language acquisition is shaped by two types of processing pressures—internal efficiency-related factors relevant to easing the burden on working memory and external input-related factors such as frequency of occurrence. With a special focus to document the important role of internal factors, he introduces a series of case studies involving contrasts that are rarely instantiated in the input, yet show early mastery. Based on Processing Determinism, O’Grady proposes the Uniformity Thesis to describe the nature of language development: Development is uniform, where processing cost is relevant. This paper introduces the basic ideas of Processing Determinism and gives a detailed analysis of all the case studies as evidence, with a comment on its theoretical and practical merits as well as some problems.

Keywords: emergentism; language processing; language development; language acquisition

摘要：

加工决定论在基于加工器的涌现论框架内提出,强调语言发展由加工驱动,所需加工成本越小的语言特征在发展进程中出现越早。决定加工压力的外部因素与语言输入质量有关,内部因素与有限的工作记忆容量有关,两类因素有时共同影响,有时单独作用。O’Grady 在加工决定论基础上思考语言发展本质,指出从加工成本角度考虑,语言的发展具有一致性。本文整理加工决定论的主要观点和实证依据,介绍加工驱动语言发展的基本思路,并评价加工决定论的价值与不足。

关键词: 涌现论, 语言加工, 语言发展, 语言习得

CLC Number:

H0-06

Mei YANG. How Does Processing Drive Language Development? — Introducing Processing Determinism[J]. Journal of Beijing International Studies University, 2019, 41(3): 45-60.

杨梅. 加工何以驱动语言发展?——加工决定论述评[J]. 北京第二外国语学院学报, 2019, 41(3): 45-60.

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