On the acquisition of distributivity in Yudja

Suzi Lima

doi:10.17851/2237-2083.25.3.1613-1646

Abstract

This paper explores the acquisition of distributivity in Yudja (Tupi, Brazil) based on a study with children and adults. In this paper, we explore experimentally the hypothesis discussed in previous work (LIMA, 2008) that verbal reduplication is a pluractional marker (LASERSOHN, 2005) that also conveys distributivity. Two preference tasks were performed with 11 adults and 17 children. Adults’ results show that the interpretation of ambiguous sentences is affected by the form of the noun phrase (conjoined nouns, pluralized nouns or bare nouns). Children’s results suggest that they have an overall preference for a distributive interpretation of sentences regardless of the verb form and the NP type.

Highlights

Much work in formal semantics has explored the constrast between distributivity and nondistributive interpretations
The goal of this paper is twofold: first, we would like to evaluate the availability of the covert distributive interpretation in Yudja; second, we want to explore the interpretation of sentences that are overtly marked for distributivity via verbal reduplication
After presenting the target question, the participant was exposed to two different drawings: one corresponding to a nondistributive interpretation of the sentence and one corresponding to a distributive interpretation of the sentence

Summary

Introduction

Much work in formal semantics has explored the constrast between distributivity and nondistributive interpretations (collective and cumulative). The marginality of the distributive interpretation for sentences as (1) has been a central aspect for debate in the literature (CHAMPOLLION, to appear) and experimental evidence is inconclusive in showing whether covert distributivity is marginal for sentences such as (1) (Dotlačil, 2010 apud Champollion to appear). Authors such as Dotlačil (2010) argue that the marginality could be a result of a pragmatic principle: if the intention is to convey distributivity, speakers would prefer to use a distributive operator such as each. We review some studies that explore covert and overt distributivity experimentally

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Conclusion