Formal Theory‐Based Methodologies
Tania Ionin · 2023
Generative approaches to second language acquisition (SLA) aim to describe and explain the state of second language learners' interlanguage (IL) grammar, examining the extent to which IL grammars are constrained by universal grammar and to what extent they are subject to the cross-linguistic influence of the learners' first language. Today, the field of formal, generative SLA uses a variety of experimental, quantitative data collection methods to gain insights into learners' IL grammars. This chapter provides an overview of tasks that examine learners' judgments or interpretations of particular linguistic structures. Both judgment and interpretation tasks are offline methodologies, which examine response type and/or response accuracy. The chapter focuses on offline methodologies. Acceptability judgment tasks (also known as grammaticality judgment tasks) are a common tool and arguably provide the most direct window into IL grammars.