The Universal Invariant-Based SLA Theory

SLA is a broad multilateral realm of theoretical and applied projections. The discipline being topical for the world community, its coterminous issues are rather summarily thrown together, but actually spread out or split up of the field originally meant as a more concentrated and closely-knit nucleus. The research mainstream branches out into numerous aspects of language acquisition, most of which are ‘cross-sectional'. The heterology of research approaches hinders the progress towards the development of a well-balanced unified SLA theory relying on the basics inherent in science at large. A theory like that is aimed at the elimination of any ambiguity and confusion, so that anyone could similarly interpret it. Although the idea sounds like a utopian goal so far, a number of steps could be taken for SLA integrity to get closer and ultimately to transpire. A holistic theoretical model of SLA requires that its modules be represented on the basis of the same property, or radix. In the model developed, the radix is identified as a minimal predicative unit being formed. The unit takes shape in the process of predication, which can be referred to as the act of joining initially independent objects of thought expressed by self-determining words—predicate and argument—in order to convey any idea. Predication is a most important function of language cognition due to which the real and individualized worlds converge in the learner's mind. Hence, predication is not just a common fundamental of language, social intercourse, and individual inner thought activity but actually a medium creating the environment in which all three spheres mentioned function cohesively. The SLA Universal Invariant-Based Binary Predication Theory is identified in terms of its domain, content and procedural phenomena, principles, rules and regularities, binary opposition logic. and idealized object.

Textbook Theory

Textbook theory seems to be at the farthest level from the most abstract categories, and it is repeatedly associated with in the current study. The connection of the principal fundamental categories of invariance and binarism are not even superficially traced to the traditional textbook theory inventory. The numerous conceptions of predication predominantly deal with its logical frames. The aim of the chapter is to explicate some hidden links between the levels of the conceptual vertical. The idea of invariance is embodied by the continuous iteration of binary predicative units originally incompressible in terms of their constituents and structure. Binary opposition is the category indissolubly active at every stage of speech generation. There have been found four functional patterns produced by a particular predicative operation. Each pattern correlates with all types of speech but to various extents, accenting some of them. They are parallel transfer, inverse transformation, convergent or divergent pivot structuring, and zooming.

Theory of Second and Foreign Language Learning

Textbook theory of second language learning being the object under consideration, its coherence with the concepts of theory as a wide-ranging idea and language learning theory is established. Textbook theory is regarded as an indispensable part of language study implementing its fundamental principles. A conceptual hierarchical structure of three-level complexity corresponding to general research theory, theory of second language assimilation, and textbook theory is developed in order to provide congruence between the grades of the ranking model, which presumes the identification of significant uniform characteristics common to each (and any) type of theory. For the entire system to be modeled in holistic terms, there has been advanced a binary conception of theory construction. The binary opposition is a systematically organized functional formation with a large constructive and explanatory potential that allows us to use it for a complete description of the structure of a theory including its idealized object.

The Rationale of an Invariant-Based Textbook Theory

The Chapter provides a concluding conceptual overview on theoretical perspectives of the practical interpretation of binary predicative units within an invariant approach to SLA. An important advantage of the invariant-based textbook theory is that binary predicative units function within the entire discourse ranging from the simplest to the most complicated structures. Binary predicative units initiate and congregate the speech modes, successively activating egocentric, inner, and oral speech, thus developing grounds for writing. Another advantage of the invariant textbook theory and corresponding technology is the highest degree of the learner's involvement in second language acquisition. The acquirer's communicative competence is characterized not only by their ability to produce or perceive authentic utterances but also by the ability to express their attitudes and frame the interlocutor's in any form of communication.

Predicative Unit Classes (Sets) in Text Design

The enormity and comprehensiveness of predication alongside its ordinariness constantly encountered in the usual flow of speech significantly complicate any practical implementation of it in SLA and textbook theory. The phenomenon being elucidated predominantly in abstract terms widens the gap between its theoretical exploration and practical application in the field mentioned. There emerges a necessity of the search for a new notional direction from which the point is viewed. The new frame of reference would have far reaching implications for language acquisition and textbook development providing a strong theoretical underpinning for language curricula. Invariant binary predicative units are described as sense building blocks of predication. Their dichotomically organized classes are presented in this Chapter. Class 1 dichotomizes full predicative units and elliptic units. Class 2 includes units with substituted arguments or predicates. Class 3 comprises objective (semantic) constants and subjective (individual) variables. Class 4 takes in units with modificative and propositional predicates. Class 5 is composed of units containing analytic and synthetic predicates. Binary predicative units of the types categorized in the classes act conjointly, generating a unified multi-channel network of sense formation.

The Invariant-Based SLA Theory as Scaffolding for Textbook Theory and Praxis of Learning

L2 textbooks have always played an important role in the nativist and instructed leaning of foreign languages. Being a derivative of an SLA theory, textbook thesis is supposed to be subordinate to the basics of the original general framework. The underlying fundamentals of textbook theory coincide with those of SLA but are transpired into a domain designated as the acquirer's status. The concept is related to the functional modules of language systematics, its communicative projection, and the individual's inner verbal thought. These correlate with situational and linguistic patterns determined in terms of invariant predicative units. The binary principle will reveal itself in that the dimensions “language and communication,” “language and individual (introspective) verbal thought,” “communication and language,” “communication and individual verbal thought,” “individual verbal thought and language,” and “individual verbal thought and communication” are symmetrical counterparts of the predication axiom. The modules mentioned characterize the modus operandi of textbook theory phenomena alongside the operational modes presented by different types of speech: egocentric, inner, vocal, and written. Each mode is distinguished by a particular formula of predicative expression, with the total number of binary units remaining the same irrespective of the functioning mode type.