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Chapter 10. Derivation in Finnish child speech and child-directed speech

  • Klaus Laalo
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Abstract

This chapter examines the early phases of the acquisition of Finnish derivational morphology: what kind of derivational types are used in early child speech and child-directed speech? Which types emerge first and why these types? The analysis is based on recorded and transcribed material of two Finnish-speaking children and their caregivers. In addition, some diary data are used to illustrate the emergence of innovative derived words and the productivity of different derivational types. The study shows the importance of productivity and frequency to the emergence of Finnish derivational types can best be observed in verbs and adjectives: the derivational types which are most frequently used and productive in Finnish emerge early and are frequently used in child speech.

Abstract

This chapter examines the early phases of the acquisition of Finnish derivational morphology: what kind of derivational types are used in early child speech and child-directed speech? Which types emerge first and why these types? The analysis is based on recorded and transcribed material of two Finnish-speaking children and their caregivers. In addition, some diary data are used to illustrate the emergence of innovative derived words and the productivity of different derivational types. The study shows the importance of productivity and frequency to the emergence of Finnish derivational types can best be observed in verbs and adjectives: the derivational types which are most frequently used and productive in Finnish emerge early and are frequently used in child speech.

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