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FREQUENCY EFFECTS AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

A Complex Picture?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 July 2002

Susan M. Gass
Affiliation:
Michigan State University Susan Gass, English Language Center, A-714 Wells Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824–1027; e-mail: gass@pilot.msu.edu.
Alison Mackey
Affiliation:
Georgetown University

Extract

In this response to Ellis's target article on frequency in language processing, language use, and language acquisition, we argue in favor of a role for frequency in several areas of second language acquisition, including interactional input and output and speech processing. We also discuss areas where second language acquisition appears to proceed along its own route and at its own pace regardless of the frequency of the input, as well as areas where input is infrequent but acquisition appears to be unimpeded. Our response is intended to highlight the complexity of the task of deciphering the role and importance of frequency.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2002 Cambridge University Press

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