A comparison between SLI and second language acquisition: can parts of L1A be acquired via L2A processes in SLI?

Abstract

The GRAMMATICAL ANALYSIS OF UNSUITABLE MECHANISMS by Locke (1993, 1994) proposes that in children with SLI linguistic function is taken over by other, less suitable mechanisms, since the original mechanism for analysis has not developed. This thesis suggests that in some individuals with SLI, processes underlying L2A take over some parts of linguistic function in L1A. To base this theory on solid grounds, it was first established whether processes underlying L1A and L2A could be different from each other. Secondly, it was investigated whether a common pattern between SLI and second language acquisition (L2A) could be present. Fossilization and optionality in inflectional morphology in both SLI and L2A indicated that there is a common pattern between SLI and L2A. This suggests that it might be possible that in children with SLI, parts of their L1A are acquired as L2A.