Date: 16-Sep-2009 From: Paul Peranteau <paulbenjamins.com> Subject: The Acquisition of Word Order: Westergaard E-mail this message to a friend
Title: The Acquisition of Word Order
Subtitle: Micro-cues, information structure, and economy
Series Title: Linguistik Aktuell/Linguistics Today 145
Published: 2009
Publisher: John Benjamins
http://www.benjamins.com/
Author: Marit Westergaard
Electronic: ISBN: 9789027289346 Pages: Price: Europe EURO 99.00
Electronic: ISBN: 9789027289346 Pages: Price: U.S. $ 149.00
Hardback: ISBN: 9789027255280 Pages: Price: Europe EURO 99.00
Hardback: ISBN: 9789027255280 Pages: Price: U.S. $ 149.00
Abstract:
Within a new model of language acquisition, this book discusses verb second (V2) word order in situations where there is variation in the input. While traditional generative accounts consider V2 to be a parameter, this study shows that, in many languages, this word order is dependent on fine distinctions in syntax and information structure. Thus, within a split-CP model of clause structure, a number of micro-cues are formulated, taking into account the specific context for V2 vs. non-V2 (clause type, subcategory of the elements involved, etc.). The micro-cues are produced in children's I-language grammars on exposure to the relevant input. Focusing on a dialect of Norwegian, the book shows that children generally produce target-consistent V2 and non-V2 from early on, indicating that they are sensitive to the micro-cues. This includes contexts where word order is dependent on information structure. The children's occasional non-target-consistent behavior is accounted for by economy principles.
Linguistic Field(s):
Language Acquisition
Linguistic Theories
Syntax
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