Processability Theory is Manfred PienemannÕs highly cited psycholinguistic theory of Second Language Acquisition offering a transitional paradigm that accounts specifically for the development of grammar. This volume expands on PTÕs explicit (falsifiable) and universal definition of developmental stages, and proposes (a) fresh interpretations of earlier achievements; (b) explicit treatment of the development of syntax and its interface with discourse-pragmatic motivations and (c) numerous pointers for future studies.
Part I of the volume introduces the editorsÕ new approach to the theory. In part II it offers a finer-grained staging of L2 development with reference to three typologically different languages: English, Italian and Japanese. Part III explores languages (Russian, Serbian), issues (Spanish differential object marking, German V2 in declaratives vs questions), populations (L2 in autistic learners), and applications (L2 teaching through CALL) not previously treated in PT.