Extending the Competition Model

Abstract

This paper presents an extended formulation of the Competition Model. The extended model, called the Unified Competition Model, is designed to account for a larger range of phenomena in first and second language acquisition, including bilingualism. As in the classic version of the Competition Model, competition is at the core of a set of non-modular interacting forces. However, the various inputs to competition are now described in terms of six additional subcomponents: arenas, mappings, chunking, storage, codes, and support. Learning is viewed as a resonant process that relies on storage, chunking, and support to acquire new mappings. © 2005, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.