A current limitation of the connectionist approach to second language acquisition
(SLA) research is that it does not, to my knowledge, include complex linguistic
representations. This article proposes a partial solution to this limitation by
motivating and illustrating specific analyses that utilize the sign-based
representations developed within Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG). To
motivate the proposed representations, the article applies them to an analysis of
four types of mappings between form and function: one-to-one, primed redundancy,
nonprimed redundancy and polyfunctional. The paper summarizes representative SLA
data that indicate how these mappings may appear in second language (L2) production.
Key properties of HPSG analyses are discussed, indicating how they are consistent
with connectionist assumptions. Sign-based representations of the four types of
mappings are then provided, including several modifications to HPSG formalisms. The
article concludes with a discussion of future directions.
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