Abstract
Forty children aged between 3;6 and 7;6 years from each of three languages, English, Thai and Lisu, were asked to repeat sentences containing the bi-referential relations signalled by then, before, after, when, while, at the same time, until and since. Performance on this elicited imitation task revealed that, across languages, then has a relatively early acquisition and since has a relatively late acquisition. Language specific effects were also found, namely a relatively early acquisition of until in Lisu, and a relatively early acquisition of before and late acquisition of after in Thai. Analysis of substitution errors revealed common substitutions across languages for and and when, and of mono- for bi-referential responses. There was qualified support for the predictions that sequentiality ( then, before, after) occurs prior to simultaneity ( while, at the same time), and for a relatively late acquisition of `sequence and duration' ( since, until).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
