Zero time-arguments in French child language
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Hamida Demirdache
Abstract
We argue that zero-tenses in L1 French surface as either past (parameter value in SOT languages) or present (parameter value in non-SOT languages). Co-existing parameter settings in child language are expected on a Multiple Grammar approach where acquisition involves grammar competition. Our proposal explains why French children allow non-indexical/zero-tense construals of present, although present (under past) is utterance-indexical in SOT languages. It extends to children acquiring a non-SOT language: Japanese children allow (non-adult) zero-tense construals of past. We further argue for a scopal account of independent construals of relative clauses. Together with the observation of Isomorphism in the syntax/LF mapping in child language, the scopal account explains why children enforce non-indexical/zero-tense construals of present/past in relative (but not complement) clauses.
Abstract
We argue that zero-tenses in L1 French surface as either past (parameter value in SOT languages) or present (parameter value in non-SOT languages). Co-existing parameter settings in child language are expected on a Multiple Grammar approach where acquisition involves grammar competition. Our proposal explains why French children allow non-indexical/zero-tense construals of present, although present (under past) is utterance-indexical in SOT languages. It extends to children acquiring a non-SOT language: Japanese children allow (non-adult) zero-tense construals of past. We further argue for a scopal account of independent construals of relative clauses. Together with the observation of Isomorphism in the syntax/LF mapping in child language, the scopal account explains why children enforce non-indexical/zero-tense construals of present/past in relative (but not complement) clauses.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Argument structure and syntactic relations 1
-
Part 1. Semantic and syntactic properties of the event structure
- Aspectual composition in causatives 13
- Atelicity and anticausativization 35
- Minimalist variability in the verb phrase 69
- On the l-syntax of manner and causation 89
- Nominalization, event, aspect and argument structure 113
-
Part 2. A global view on argument structure
- The syntax of argument structure 133
- Argument structure and quantifier scope 151
-
Part 3. Syntactic heads involved in argument structure
- An l-syntax for adjuncts 183
- The derivation of dative alternations 203
- Basque ditransitives 233
- Applicative structure and Mandarin ditransitives 261
- Unintentionally out of control 283
-
Part 4. Argument structure in language acquisition
- Zero time-arguments in French child language 305
- Reevaluating the role of innate linking rules in the acquisition of verb argument structure 325
- Name and subject index 345
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Argument structure and syntactic relations 1
-
Part 1. Semantic and syntactic properties of the event structure
- Aspectual composition in causatives 13
- Atelicity and anticausativization 35
- Minimalist variability in the verb phrase 69
- On the l-syntax of manner and causation 89
- Nominalization, event, aspect and argument structure 113
-
Part 2. A global view on argument structure
- The syntax of argument structure 133
- Argument structure and quantifier scope 151
-
Part 3. Syntactic heads involved in argument structure
- An l-syntax for adjuncts 183
- The derivation of dative alternations 203
- Basque ditransitives 233
- Applicative structure and Mandarin ditransitives 261
- Unintentionally out of control 283
-
Part 4. Argument structure in language acquisition
- Zero time-arguments in French child language 305
- Reevaluating the role of innate linking rules in the acquisition of verb argument structure 325
- Name and subject index 345
