Reevaluating the role of innate linking rules in the acquisition of verb argument structure
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Sigal Uziel-Karl
Abstract
The present study examines the hypothesis that the acquisition of Verb Argument Structure (VAS) is regulated by a set of universal, innate linking rules between thematic roles and syntactic functions (Pinker 1984) against the hypothesis that linking patterns are learned (Bowerman 1990). The study draws on naturalistic longitudinal speech samples from two Hebrew-speaking girls between ages 1;5–2;9 [MLU 1 – 4.5]. The findings show no advantage for the innate linking hypothesis. Instead, they support the hypothesis whereby children initially acquire VAS on the basis of linguistic experience with individual verbs (Tomasello 1992). In this process, input plays an important role.
Abstract
The present study examines the hypothesis that the acquisition of Verb Argument Structure (VAS) is regulated by a set of universal, innate linking rules between thematic roles and syntactic functions (Pinker 1984) against the hypothesis that linking patterns are learned (Bowerman 1990). The study draws on naturalistic longitudinal speech samples from two Hebrew-speaking girls between ages 1;5–2;9 [MLU 1 – 4.5]. The findings show no advantage for the innate linking hypothesis. Instead, they support the hypothesis whereby children initially acquire VAS on the basis of linguistic experience with individual verbs (Tomasello 1992). In this process, input plays an important role.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Argument structure and syntactic relations 1
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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
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Part 2. A global view on argument structure
- The syntax of argument structure 133
- Argument structure and quantifier scope 151
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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
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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
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- 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
