Work

Quantifier-Specific Usage Patterns Shape Learning—A Corpus Analysis on Universal Quantifiers in English and Dutch Child-Directed Language

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Quantifiers specify semantic relations between sentence constituents. Due to their abstract meanings, they form a learning challenge for children. This challenge is made more difficult by the fact that different universal quantifiers instantiate slightly different meanings. We investigated what evidence is available in the input that might help children learn the meaning of by exploring the use of universal quantifiers in naturalistic child-ambient language in English and Dutch. The cross-linguistic component in this analysis is relevant, because languages differ in how they carve up the space of universal quantification. Our analysis revealed language- and quantifier-specific patterns in frequency, variability, and contexts of use. We discuss how these quantifier-specific usage patterns lead to quantifier-specific developmental trajectories and challenges.

Source: First Language

DOI: 10.1177/01427237251385837

Authors: Mieke Sarah Slim, Elizabeth Tobyn, Caroline F. Rowland

Institutions: Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Language Development and Disorders

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650