Universal Grammar

Abstract

Universal Grammar is a theory argued to hold for first language acquisition, that provides a model of how humans acquire their native language. It is not entirely certain, however, if Universal Grammar still functions during the course of second language acquisition. Certain parameter settings account for the differences found in languages. It is the aim of this paper to investigate which parameter settings account for the differences between English and German, in order to determine which constructions will be difficult for native speakers of English learning German. It will also be discussed whether parameters can, in fact, be reset.