Kenneth Wexler

Rosalind Thornton

This is the first experimental study of Principle B with verb phrase ellipsis and properties of the interpretation of empty pronouns in ellipsis. Among the universal principles are those known as the principles of the binding theory. These principles constrain the range of interpretations that can be assigned to sentences containing reflexives and reciprocals, pronouns, and referring expressions. The principle that is relevant for pronouns, Principle B, has provided a fertile ground for the study of linguistic development. Although it has long been known that children make certain kinds of errors that appear to contradict this principle, further experimental and theoretical investigation reveals that the child does know the grammatical principle, but implements the pragmatic knowledge incorrectly. In fact, discoveries concerning children's knowledge of Principle B are among the most well-known in the study of language acquisition because of the dissociation between syntactic and pragmatic knowledge (binding versus reference). In this book the authors deepen and extend the results of years of developmental investigation of Principle B by studying the interaction of Principle B with verb phrase ellipsis and properties of the interpretation of empty pronouns in ellipsis--properties of "strict" and "sloppy" interpretation. This is the first experimental study of these topics in the developmental literature. The striking results show that detailed predictions from the "pragmatic deficiency" theory seem to be correct. Many novel experimental results concern the question of how children interpret pronouns, including elided pronouns, and how they understand VP ellipsis. The authors present the necessary theoretical background on Principle B, review and critique previous accounts of childrens errors, and present a novel account of why children misinterpret pronouns. The book will thus be of interest not only to readers interested in the development of the binding theory, but to those interested in the development of interpretation and reference by children.

Principle B, VP Ellipsis, and Interpretation in Child Grammar

Felicity Cox

Mengistu Amberber

Victoria Fromkin

Robert Rodman

Nina Hyams

An Introduction to Language introduces students to the fascinating study of human language. Engagingly and clearly written, it provides an overview of the key areas of linguistics from an Australian perspective. The International Phonetic Alphabet is represented by both HCE and MD versions, allowing lecturers to use whichever IPA system they prefer. The text is divided into four sections, and chapters take students through the nature of human language, the grammatical aspects and psychology of language, finishing with language and its relation to society. Chapters have also been reworked and revised to keep all syntax up-to-date and accurate. Popular features have been retained for this ninth edition including learning objectives and margin definitions in each chapter, along with summary tables inside the covers, assisting readers to learn core concepts and terminology. To supplement student learning, An Introduction to Language continues to offer the strongest resources package in the market, giving students access to CourseMate Express with interactive audio phonemes, as well as offering a new Test Bank for instructors.

Rosalind Thornton

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