Processability theory : theoretical bases and universal schedules

PT can be seen as a ‘progressive’ theory, that is, a theory capable of extending its domain, refining its concepts, making its key variables more operational, and attracting more research (Jordan 2004: 227). Even as we write, PT is expanding rapidly, and our presentation must inevitably be limited. But it is limited in four further ways. First, in this chapter we will mention PT’s history only when it helps explain some of the incongruities we try to eliminate, or justify our own choices. Secondly, our outline here is not intended as an independent introduction to the theory, in the sense that we will mention only minimally PT’s main scope, constructs and processes. These can be found in the original works by Pienemann (1998, 2005b; Pienemann, Di Biase & Kawaguchi 2005; including the more recent Pienemann & Keßler 2011, 2012) and in Pienemann’s own numerous shorter presentations (e.g., 2003, 2007) – although with regard to the latter a note should be added to the effect that they mostly refer to the acquisition of English, and rely on older versions of PT, barely touching upon the 2005 extension. Thirdly, although we will mention some problems in the theory, we do not intend to solve them all here. Nor, finally, can this chapter be read as a full review of the rich and varied PT literature.