First Language Acquisition: The Essential Readings is a collection of pioneering classics that provide a framework for understanding current work in each of the basic areas of language acquisition: morphology, phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
- Collects classic works that provide the foundation for current research in the field of first language acquisition.
- Includes selections from Noam Chomsky, Jean Piaget, Eric Lenneberg and Roman Jakobson, as well as others who contributed groundbreaking discoveries, insights, concepts, and methods.
- Presents framework for understanding current work in each of the basic areas of language acquisition: morphology, phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
- Provides valuable resource for students and scholars of language acquisition, cognitive development, and cognitive science.
Introduction: Barbara C. Lust (Cornell University) and Claire Foley (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
Part I: Theory of Language Acquisition:.
1. Selections from Knowledge of Language: Its Nature, Origin, and Use: Noam Chomsky (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
2. A Review of B.F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior: Noam Chomsky (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
3. Selections from The Psychology of the Child: Jean Piaget and Bärbel Inhelder.
4. Language and Learning: The Debate between Jean Piaget and Noam Chomsky: Massimo Piattelii-Palmarini (editor).
5. Selections from Comparative Linguistics and Language Acquisition: Hermine Sinclair (late of University of Geneva).
Part II: The Nature-Nurture Controversies:.