Usage-Based Models Around and Inside BLC Theory: Commentary on Hulstijn (2024)

In his essay entitled “Predictions of Individual Differences in the Acquisition of Native and Non-Native Languages: An Update of BLC Theory”, Jan Hulstijn updates his theory of Basic Language Cognition (Hulstijn 2011, 2015). His central claim is that there is a fundamental difference between the Bas...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Hans-Jörg Schmid
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Languages
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/10/3/45
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Summary:In his essay entitled “Predictions of Individual Differences in the Acquisition of Native and Non-Native Languages: An Update of BLC Theory”, Jan Hulstijn updates his theory of Basic Language Cognition (Hulstijn 2011, 2015). His central claim is that there is a fundamental difference between the Basic Language Cognition that is sufficient for dealing with oral language and the Extended Language Cognition required for handling reading and writing. In my invited commentary, I argue that used-based models of language provide a wider theoretical background that helps to ground Hulstijn’s theory. I illustrate what this means with reference to the Entrenchment-and-Conventionalization Model (Schmid 2020). Based on this model I discuss Hulstijn’s predictions regarding the extent of interindividual differences to be expected among L1-speakers and L-2 speakers.
ISSN:2226-471X