First Language Acquisition

Introduction: Barbara C. Lust and Claire Foley.

Part I: Theory of Language Acquisition.

Part II: The Nature-Nurture Controversies.

Part III: Areas of Language Knowledge.

Index

"This volume is undoubtedly an outstanding compilation of classic
papers on first language acquisition." The Linguist
List

"An excellent selection of the classic readings in the science
of language development, one that I have dearly missed until now.
It is a perfect set of background readings for students and
researchers interested in the intellectual roots of the field."
Steven Pinker, Harvard University, and author of The
Language Instinct and Words and Rules: The Ingredients of
Language

"A well-chosen treasure-house of key readings. They provide a
superb grounding for anyone studying child language." Jean
Aitchison, University of Oxford

"This reader is a great addition to the field, bringing together
some of the classic literature that has stimulated debate on the
nature of language acquisition for years. Its depth and breadth, in
both philosophical and linguistic approaches to the problem, ensure
that this volume will soon be a classic itself." Katherine
Demuth, Brown University

"An excellent collection of classic works, highlighting
contributions taking a linguistic approach to the subject of
language acquisition." Diane Lillo-Martin, University of
Connecticut

Barbara C. Lust is Professor in the Department of Human
Development at Cornell University. She is one of the foremost
researchers in first language acquisition and the author of
numerous books and articles, including The Growth of
Language.

Claire Foley is Visiting Scientist in the Department of
Linguistics and Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. She has published numerous papers on theoretical and
empirical aspects of language acquisition.

B. Lust, Cornell University; C. Foley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology