NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1205943
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Mar
Pages: 29
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0023-8333
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
More Is More in Language Learning: Reconsidering the Less-Is-More Hypothesis
Brooks, Patricia J.; Kempe, Vera
Language Learning, v69 suppl 1 p13-41 Mar 2019
The Less-Is-More hypothesis was proposed to explain age-of-acquisition effects in first language (L1) and second language (L2) learning. We scrutinize different renditions of the hypothesis by examining how learning outcomes are affected by (a) limited cognitive capacity, (b) reduced interference resulting from less prior knowledge, and (c) simplified language input. While there is little to no evidence of benefits of limited cognitive capacity, there is ample support for a More-Is-More account linking enhanced capacity with better L1 and L2 learning outcomes and reduced capacity with childhood language disorders. Instead, reduced prior knowledge (relative to adults) may afford children greater flexibility in inductive inference; this contradicts the idea that children benefit from a more constrained hypothesis space. Finally, studies of child-directed speech confirm benefits from less complex input at early stages but also emphasize how greater lexical and syntactic complexity of the input confers benefits in L1 attainment.
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A