Semantic approximation related to verbal lexicon in Korean monolinguals: Focused on Break-type and Remove-type verbs.

Abstract

This research aims to explore the semantic approximation related to verbal lexicon in Korean 48-month-old monolingual children (n= 40) as well as adults (= 17). Despite the fact that semantic approximation is a pivotal aspect of language development, related previous studies in 1st language acquisition are much more scarce than regarding 2nd language learning. Semantic approximation in child language stems from analogic and pragmatic strategies and helps young speakers communicate their thoughts by making up their immature lexicon. Moreover, to date, little attention has been paid to the aspects and factors motivating semantic approximations in Korean monolinguals and their strategies underlying their production. Interestingly, Korean speaking monolinguals tend to use semantic approximation much more than those of other languages, i.e. French, German, Chinese and English. For examining this aspect, in this study, the semantic approximation related to verbal lexicon was studied in 40 monolingual kids, compared with 17 matched control participants during an action naming task, APPROX. Our findings show that first, each group showed higher rate of use semantic approximation than other language speakers. Second, most of semantic approximations in Korean monolinguals have been based on `domain change` (between-domain) and more generic terms (hypernyms) are used. Third, semantic approximations are found to be related to lexical richness in Korean verbs` construction and influence the level of conceptual complexity in Korean monolinguals. (Hongik University)