| The basic idea behind current approaches to language systems and their use is that they should be conceived of as the result of the interaction between a number of modules, some linguistic, some more generally cognitive in nature. Among the linguistic modules are phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. The cognitive modules, such as pragmatics, discourse competence and information-processing, enable us to produce and interpret language. To the extent that each module can be seen as a set of constraints on permitted outputs, each language system is the result of a specific interaction and ranking of the different kinds of constraints imposed on language and language use. Within this field of study, the research group "The Architecture of the Human Language Faculty" focuses on an analysis of those aspects of language that bear on the issue of the interfaces between modules. Two areas within the focus and expertise of the research group are: (a) the interfaces between phonology, morphology, and syntax (b) the interfaces between discourse, pragmatics, semantics, and syntax These issues are being examined across a wide range of languages, with regard to a broad range of empirical domains. In addition, windows on the interface issues are provided by the cross-linguistic study of diverse language types, the study of language change and by the in-depth investigation of second language acquisition. The research group aims to achieve a deeper understanding of those constraints and forces that shape human language by bringing together a number of linguists who have complementary but related expertise in the field of linguistics. In addition, the research is providing insights into the acquisition and functioning of language that will be of practical relevance for language teaching. |
