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ERIC Number: EJ1306610
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1547-5441
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Development of Quantity Implicatures in Mandarin-Speaking Children
Zhao, Shuyan; Ren, Jie; Frank, Michael C.; Zhou, Peng
Language Learning and Development, v17 n4 p343-365 2021
The present study reports a large, cross-sectional study of Mandarin-speaking children's ability to compute quantity implicatures. To chart the developmental trajectory of this pragmatic ability, we tested 225 Mandarin-speaking children aged 4-8 years on their interpretations of scalar and non-scalar implicatures, as well as numerals. Scalar implicatures were difficult and we did not observe consistent success until age 6. In contrast, by 4 years of age this group was already able to compute non-scalar implicatures and the exact readings of numerals at adult-like rates. The implications of the current findings are discussed in relation to children's development of pragmatic inference, highlighting the relevance of cross-linguistic data in understanding pragmatic development.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: China (Beijing)
Grant or Contract Numbers: 146077
Author Affiliations: N/A