Problem set 8—due Tuesday, June 3
Answer these two questions from Language Files pages 345-352:
• 17, 18
In addition, write a paragraph responding to the paragraph in the middle of page 290 of Steven Pinker’s The Language Instinct. In this chapter (‘Baby Born Talking’), Pinker presents a biological explanation for the “critical period” of language acquisition. The cost of our exceptional language learning abilities during infancy, Pinker argues, is that most of us are unexceptional language learners when it comes a second language. However, Pinker recognizes that there is variation related to “effort, attitudes, amount of exposure, quality of teaching, and plain talent.” Which of these five factors do you think are the most important in determining success in learning a second language? Why is attitude/motivation a particularly indispensable ingredient in second language acquisition?
This week’s optional challenge problem is about Yidiny, an Australian Aboriginal language.
Problem set 7—due Tuesday, May 27
Answer all seven of the following questions from Language Files pages 345-352:
• 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15
Problem set 6—due Tuesday, May 19
Answer all eight of the following questions from Language Files pages 299-310:
• 30, 32, 34, 38, 40, 43, 44, 46 (read all the directions for 34 carefully!)
Problem set 5–due Tuesday, May 13
Answer all seven of the following questions from Language Files pages 299-310:
• 1, 4, 5, 13, 17, 18, 24 (read the directions for 1 and 24 very carefully!)
Problem set 4–due Tuesday, May 6
Answer all seven of the following questions from Language Files pages 260-267:
• 18, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30
Problem set 3–due Tuesday, April 29
Problem set 3 can be found here. I will hand out copies of this on Thursday.
Problem set 2—due Tuesday, April 22
Answer all six of the following questions from Language Files pages 230-238:
• 19, 20, 29, 31, 34, 36