Work

Can Adverbs Call Attention to Manner of Motion for 2-year-olds Learning Verbs?

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: In the current experiment, we propose that adverbs may likewise confer an advantage in verb learning. To our knowledge, no studies have examined the role of adverbs in verb learning in toddlers, although Wittek (2002) demonstrated that the adverb again can support verb learning in certain contexts with 5-year-olds. To test our hypothesis, we adapted A&W’s paradigm, identifying their Sparse Content condition (in which toddlers performed at chance, showing no evidence of verb learning) as an excellent testing ground for our hypothesis. We reasoned that a manner-of-motion adverb would highlight aspects of the event, and therefore aspects of the verb’s meaning.

Source: Rutgers University Community Repository (Rutgers University)

DOI: 10.7282/t39025s1

Authors: Syrett, Kristen, Arunachalam, Sudha, Waxman, Sandra R.

Institutions: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Boston University, Northwestern University

Language: English

Topic: Language Development and Disorders

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2543831481

FWCI:

Cites: 46

Cited by:

Related to: 10