Language Acquisition, Microcues, Parameters, and Syntactic Change

Abstract

Based on both historical and present-day examples, this chapter discusses the connection between language acquisition and language change, focusing on generative approaches such as the cue-based theory of acquisition and change and grammar competition models. A number of problems are pointed out, mainly related to the generally target-consistent nature of first language acquisition and children’s sensitivity to fine syntactic distinctions from early on, making syntactic restructuring unlikely in the acquisition process. A solution is suggested that involves considering syntactic rules and corresponding changes in terms of microparameters or microcues, affecting subcategories and minor parts of I-language grammars. Furthermore, it is argued that language acquisition is not the direct cause of diachronic change, but may explain the nature of such changes, accounting for why some things are vulnerable and others more stable.