The acquisition of functional categories has been a major topic of debate in L1 and L2 acquisition research within the generative grammar framework. Over the years, generative research has examined the question of whether L2 acquisition is similar to L1 acquisition by determining the availability of Universal Grammar (UG) to the L2 learner. Various assumptions as to the L2 learners access to UG as well as the function of L1 in the process of L2 acquisition have also been the focal points of investigation.... Mehr