Tomasello’s usage-based theory of first language acquisition - Tested on the acquisition of a Dutch adjective-noun agreement rule

Abstract

In this thesis, we have tested some predictions made by Tomasello (2003) regarding the acquisition trajectory of the first language. Tomasello holds that grammar is learnt not aided by UG but by means of domain-general learning mechanisms. A slow and piecemeal acquisition trajectory of grammatical rules is predicted. This view on LA1 has been tested on the acquisition of a Dutch rule of adjective-noun agreement.