Dominguez, Laura and Arche, Maria J (2021) The ‘comparative logic’ and why we need to explain interlanguage grammars. Frontiers in Psychology, 12:717635. ISSN 1664-1078 (Print), 1664-1078 (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.717635)

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Abstract

In this paper we argue that Bley-Vroman’s Comparative Fallacy, which warns against comparisons between native speakers and learners in second-language acquisition (SLA) research, is not justified on either theoretical or methodological grounds and should be abandoned as it contravenes the explanatory nature of SLA research. We argue that for SLA to be able to provide meaningful explanations, grammatical comparisons with a baseline (usually of native speakers although not always the case) are not only justified but necessary, a position which we call the ‘Comparative Logic’. The methodological choices assumed by this position ensure that interlanguage grammars are analysed in their own right and respecting their own principles. Related issues, such as why we focus on the native speaker and why investigating deficits in linguistic-cognitive SLA is essential in our field are discussed as well.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is a position paper where the authors examine a widespread theoretical and methodological assumption in second language acquisition research in depth and show that it is not justified and should be abandoned as it contravenes the explanatory nature of second language acquisition research.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	comparative fallacy, native speaker, interlanguage, control group, Universal Grammar
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BC Logic B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > Centre for Research & Enterprise in Linguistics (CREL) Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS)
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	25 Nov 2021 10:30
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/34449

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