Similar paths for dissimilar structures
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In this paper, we study the interaction of universal principles and language-specific properties in light of the prosodic development of Arabic and Hebrew—two languages that differ in terms of stress pattern and syllable structure. We show that despite the differences between Arabic and Hebrew, the developmental paths of children acquiring these languages are similar, in particular during the very early stages of speech. We propose three guidelines that navigate the interaction of universal principles with language-specific properties: (a) the emergence of unmarked structure, (b) the avoidance of marked structure, and (c) the contribution of frequency. We argue that universal principles prevail in early speech, while the effect of frequency and other language-specific properties becomes apparent in later stages of speech.
Authors: Outi Bat-El Foux, Avivit Ben-David
Institutions: Tel Aviv University, Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409309571