Generic Reference is Less Marked Than Specific Reference in Children’s Gestures

Abstract

Generic noun phrases, or generics, refer to kinds (e.g., Birds lay eggs) rather than specific individuals (e.g., This bird lays eggs). Prior research with adults has indicated that adults are less likely to gesture in association with generic versus specific reference. In the current studies, we examined this phenomenon in children, comparing children’s gestures in scenarios of generic versus specific reference. Across two pragmatic contexts, three- to six-year-old children’s pointing was reduced during generic reference compared to specific reference. Results thus suggest that the tendency to reduce gestural marking for generics emerges early in development. We discuss these results within the context of a claim known as the “generics-as-default” proposal, which holds that reduced marking reflects that generics are basic and cognitively default.