Chapter 2. Gender assignment in mixed noun phrases
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Kate Bellamy
Abstract
Noun phrases (NPs) constitute one of the most frequent sites where bilingual speakers code-switch. In this chapter we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of research into grammatical gender assignment in mixed NPs, namely NPs containing a noun from one language and a gender-agreeing element from another. We outline the three main gender assignment strategies observed in mixed NPs: (i) translation equivalent, (ii) shape-based, and (iii) default, and in which language pairs, using which tasks, they have been observed. We discuss how the order of acquisition of the gendered and non-gendered language, language dominance, task type, and community norms combine with linguistic properties to modulate gender assignment patterns. Findings suggest that bilinguals who learned a gendered language first seem to prefer the translation equivalent strategy. Since insufficient data from a wide variety of language dyads is currently available, we are cautious about offering further generalisations. Nonetheless, we highlight findings suggesting that more habitual code-switchers prefer the masculine default strategy. In order to progress beyond the current state of the art, we suggest that the field needs to expand into more language dyads, as well as extend existing research on individual language dyads, using multiple methodologies and in communities differing in their code-switching frequency.
Abstract
Noun phrases (NPs) constitute one of the most frequent sites where bilingual speakers code-switch. In this chapter we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of research into grammatical gender assignment in mixed NPs, namely NPs containing a noun from one language and a gender-agreeing element from another. We outline the three main gender assignment strategies observed in mixed NPs: (i) translation equivalent, (ii) shape-based, and (iii) default, and in which language pairs, using which tasks, they have been observed. We discuss how the order of acquisition of the gendered and non-gendered language, language dominance, task type, and community norms combine with linguistic properties to modulate gender assignment patterns. Findings suggest that bilinguals who learned a gendered language first seem to prefer the translation equivalent strategy. Since insufficient data from a wide variety of language dyads is currently available, we are cautious about offering further generalisations. Nonetheless, we highlight findings suggesting that more habitual code-switchers prefer the masculine default strategy. In order to progress beyond the current state of the art, we suggest that the field needs to expand into more language dyads, as well as extend existing research on individual language dyads, using multiple methodologies and in communities differing in their code-switching frequency.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- About the contributors vii
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
-
Part I. Review chapters
- Chapter 2. Gender assignment in mixed noun phrases 13
- Chapter 3. Empirical evidence for subtle gender biases in language 49
- Chapter 4. The acquisition of grammatical gender in child and adult heritage speakers of Spanish 71
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Part II. Child, adult and heritage speakers
- Chapter 5. The second language acquisition of grammatical gender and number in Italian 97
- Chapter 6. Grammatical gender and article use in beginning learners of German 127
- Chapter 7. The non-default gender category in additional-language French 157
- Chapter 8. Investigating grammatical gender agreement in Spanish 183
- Chapter 9. Cross-linguistic influence in bilingual grammars 209
- Chapter 10. Prediction on the basis of gender and number in Mandarin-Italian bilingual children 243
- Language index 273
- Name index 275
- Subject index 281
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- About the contributors vii
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
-
Part I. Review chapters
- Chapter 2. Gender assignment in mixed noun phrases 13
- Chapter 3. Empirical evidence for subtle gender biases in language 49
- Chapter 4. The acquisition of grammatical gender in child and adult heritage speakers of Spanish 71
-
Part II. Child, adult and heritage speakers
- Chapter 5. The second language acquisition of grammatical gender and number in Italian 97
- Chapter 6. Grammatical gender and article use in beginning learners of German 127
- Chapter 7. The non-default gender category in additional-language French 157
- Chapter 8. Investigating grammatical gender agreement in Spanish 183
- Chapter 9. Cross-linguistic influence in bilingual grammars 209
- Chapter 10. Prediction on the basis of gender and number in Mandarin-Italian bilingual children 243
- Language index 273
- Name index 275
- Subject index 281
