Processability Theory Revisited: A Critical Approach

Abstract

Article reference: Mozayan, M. (2015). Processability theory revisited: A critical approach. ELT Voices, 5 (5), 25-30. Abstract: In order to revisit Processability, the theory which links psychology and linguistics in a very direct way to demonstrate what we know about languages, this paper primarily glances over the Achilles' heel of the error analysis in delineating the developmental patterns in the language learners. It also refers to the second way in which samples of learner language are collected over a period of time so as to identify when specific linguistic features emerge; this is what the Processability theory (PT) does. By addressing the concepts such as property and transition theories as well as the developmental and logical problems of the learners, the paper then magnifies the central hypothesis of the theory holding that at any stage of development, learners can produce and comprehend only those L2 linguistic forms which their current state of mind can handle. Later, the criticisms leveled at the theory are put forth. And finally concluding remarks wrap up the issue