The (non-) effect of input frequency on the acquisition of word order in Norwegian embedded clauses

Abstract

In this paper we show that input frequency plays a role in the acquisition of word order, but only combined with other factors. Two constructions with similar input frequencies are investigated: embedded questions and (all) embedded clauses with negation. It is shown that the lack of input cues for the target word order in embedded clauses with negation leads children to overgeneralize main clause word order in these cases (producing structures with verb movement across adverbs/negation). However, a similar lack of input cues for word order in embedded questions does not lead to overgeneralization (the production of structures with verb movement across the subject). This is explained within a Split-CP model of clause structure and a weak continuity structure-building approach to language acquisition where input and economy principles interact in the development of word order. While children have to rely on input to acquire the word order in the IP domain of the clause, UG provides them with the information that embedded questions are different from main clause questions with respect to illocutionary force. Consequently children do not project the same functional architecture for the two constructions, and overgeneralization of features from main to embedded questions is therefore impossible.