It is argued that if theoretical goals are formulated to account for language learnability, a different markedness construct than the linguistic and psycholinguistic constructs usually applied is necessary--the projection model. The theoretical considerations for such a model are delineated, and the model is tested. (MSE)

This review article analyzes the results of several representative English morpheme-order studies conducted in the 1970s in light of current functional-category theory. Comparative analysis found significant discoveries related to category-specific development of functional projections in first language acquisition and cross-categorical…

Analysis of data derived from an earlier study of Japanese-English interlanguage shows that discourse-pragmatic markedness conditions on the subject position combine with central aspects of a configurational syntax in the generation of sentential forms, creating a module interface distinct from the native or second language. (38 references)…

A review of research about second language learning indicates that nonprimary acquisition is sensitive to the center-periphery distinction. There is clear evidence that this construct has reflexes in interlanguage word order with respect to the probability of native word order influence, difficulty, and order of emergence. (CB)