Language acquisition and the Subset Principle

The subset principle has been proposed by M. Rita Manzini & Kenneth Wexler as necessary to successful first-language (L1) acquisition (see LLBA 21/4, 8707042). It is contended that the subset principle is operative in L1 but not in second-language (L2) acquisition. Critically examined are several examples of universal grammar (UG) parameters for which the subset principle has been claimed to operate, including the case adjacency parameter, the pro-drop (null subject) parameter, & bounding nodes. The parametrization of binding theory is discussed & criticized, with reference to markedness values, subject orientation, morphological simplicity of long-distance anaphors, pronoun selection of the governing category parameter (GCP), problematic long-distance anaphors, & evidence from L1 & L2 acquisition. GCPs are reviewed for English, Chinese, Korean, Danish, & Icelandic. An alternative binding theory is proposed, based on the nonvariability of pronouns & the three binding domains for anaphors: local, long-distance, & logophoric. The binding theory of Tanya Reinhard & Eric Reuland (see LLBA 28/2, 9403125) is outlined & argued to be superior to Manzini's & Wexler's approach. It is concluded that the underlying assumption of the subset principle has not yet been substantiated. 1 Table, 100 References. D. Aruffo