John Benjamins Publishing Company
Chapter 2. Filler syllables as precursors of referring expressions
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Abstract
In this chapter, we examine the properties of filler syllables as transition forms in the development of referring expressions. In particular, we hypothesize that fillers are precursors of referring expressions. We focus on the distribution, the phonological form and the referential function of fillers in prenominal and/or preverbal positions, in comparison to others forms in these positions. Results show that first, the substantial presence of fillers does not lie in lexical factors, and that they are used in combination with other prelexical forms. Second, their variable realizations are not due to a phonological deficit, and they also exhibit paradigmatic patterning with the use of specific consonants. Fillers also share some of the functional characteristics of grammatical units, since their distribution and presence suggest that they play a role in the construction of the verbal and nominal categories. Moreover, in the preverbal position, children’s use of fillers varies according to the topic of the utterance. In conclusion, filler syllables exhibit the formal and functional characteristics of a transitional category and an adult-like paradigm of referring expressions at the same time, and should be studied as such.
Abstract
In this chapter, we examine the properties of filler syllables as transition forms in the development of referring expressions. In particular, we hypothesize that fillers are precursors of referring expressions. We focus on the distribution, the phonological form and the referential function of fillers in prenominal and/or preverbal positions, in comparison to others forms in these positions. Results show that first, the substantial presence of fillers does not lie in lexical factors, and that they are used in combination with other prelexical forms. Second, their variable realizations are not due to a phonological deficit, and they also exhibit paradigmatic patterning with the use of specific consonants. Fillers also share some of the functional characteristics of grammatical units, since their distribution and presence suggest that they play a role in the construction of the verbal and nominal categories. Moreover, in the preverbal position, children’s use of fillers varies according to the topic of the utterance. In conclusion, filler syllables exhibit the formal and functional characteristics of a transitional category and an adult-like paradigm of referring expressions at the same time, and should be studied as such.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- List of Figures ix
- List of Tables xi
- List of Contributors xvii
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Introduction
- Chapter 1. A dialogical approach to the acquisition and usage of referring expressions 1
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Part I. Reference and grammar
- Chapter 2. Filler syllables as precursors of referring expressions 41
- Chapter 3. Young children’s uses of referring expressions 81
- Chapter 4. Referring in dialogical narratives 115
- Chapter 5. Referring expressions and developmental language disorders 141
- Chapter 6. Explorations in the relations between reference, syntactic constructions and prosody 163
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Part II. The role of communicative experience
- Chapter 7. The influence of dialogue in young children’s uses of referring expressions 203
- Chapter 8. Variations in adult use of referring expressions during storytelling in different interactional settings 233
- Chapter 9. Activities and social settings: Their roles in the use of referring expressions 261
- Chapter 10. The impact of speech genres on the use of referring expressions 287
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Conclusion
- Chapter 11. The acquisition of referring expressions: From formal factors to communicative experience 319
- Appendix I. Corpora 347
- Appendix II. Transcription conventions 361
- Appendix III. A. Summary of “Ah les belles vacances des petits cochons” 363
- Appendix III. B. Summary of “Le voleur de poule” 365
- Index 367
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- List of Figures ix
- List of Tables xi
- List of Contributors xvii
-
Introduction
- Chapter 1. A dialogical approach to the acquisition and usage of referring expressions 1
-
Part I. Reference and grammar
- Chapter 2. Filler syllables as precursors of referring expressions 41
- Chapter 3. Young children’s uses of referring expressions 81
- Chapter 4. Referring in dialogical narratives 115
- Chapter 5. Referring expressions and developmental language disorders 141
- Chapter 6. Explorations in the relations between reference, syntactic constructions and prosody 163
-
Part II. The role of communicative experience
- Chapter 7. The influence of dialogue in young children’s uses of referring expressions 203
- Chapter 8. Variations in adult use of referring expressions during storytelling in different interactional settings 233
- Chapter 9. Activities and social settings: Their roles in the use of referring expressions 261
- Chapter 10. The impact of speech genres on the use of referring expressions 287
-
Conclusion
- Chapter 11. The acquisition of referring expressions: From formal factors to communicative experience 319
- Appendix I. Corpora 347
- Appendix II. Transcription conventions 361
- Appendix III. A. Summary of “Ah les belles vacances des petits cochons” 363
- Appendix III. B. Summary of “Le voleur de poule” 365
- Index 367
