Ianthi Tsimpli
2011
Tsimpli, Ianthi
External interfaces and the notion of ‘default’ Journal Article
In: Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism, vol. 1, no. 1, 2011.
@article{Tsimpli2011c,
title = {External interfaces and the notion of ‘default’},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1075/lab.1.1.17tsi},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-03-23},
urldate = {2011-03-23},
journal = {Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism},
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Tsimpli, Ianthi; Mastropavlou, Maria
Complementizers and subordination in typical language acquisition and SLI Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 121, no. 3, pp. 442-462, 2011.
@article{Tsimpli2011d,
title = {Complementizers and subordination in typical language acquisition and SLI},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Maria Mastropavlou},
doi = {10.1016/j.lingua.2010.10.009},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-02-01},
urldate = {2011-02-01},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {121},
number = {3},
pages = {442-462},
abstract = {This study aims to report on the pattern of use of complementizers by Greek SLI children as well as describe differences and/or similarities with patterns of emergence in typical language development. The complementizers na (corresponding to the English infinitival marker to), oti and pos (corresponding to the English that) and pu (introducing factive complements and relative clauses) were investigated in spontaneous speech samples of 8 children with SLI and two control groups: 8 language-matched and 8 age-matched children. The theoretical frameworks adopted are that of the Interpretability Hypothesis, according to which LF-interpretability plays a determining role in the acquisition of formal features by SLI children, and Roussou's account of the C domain in Greek. In line with these accounts, the child data was analysed with respect to feature specification, posing a distinction between pu on the one hand, specified for the interpretable feature of definiteness, and oti and pos on the other, while na holds a unique status, functioning as marker of mood/modality and a clause-typing element. Additionally, the selectional restrictions these complementizers impose on inflection were also investigated. The results indicate that complementizers with low specification for LF- interpretability are more sensitive in SLI, while their selectional properties are active, revealing a problem in the morpho-phonological operation of spell-out rather than their lexical representation in the children's underlying grammar.},
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This study aims to report on the pattern of use of complementizers by Greek SLI children as well as describe differences and/or similarities with patterns of emergence in typical language development. The complementizers na (corresponding to the English infinitival marker to), oti and pos (corresponding to the English that) and pu (introducing factive complements and relative clauses) were investigated in spontaneous speech samples of 8 children with SLI and two control groups: 8 language-matched and 8 age-matched children. The theoretical frameworks adopted are that of the Interpretability Hypothesis, according to which LF-interpretability plays a determining role in the acquisition of formal features by SLI children, and Roussou's account of the C domain in Greek. In line with these accounts, the child data was analysed with respect to feature specification, posing a distinction between pu on the one hand, specified for the interpretable feature of definiteness, and oti and pos on the other, while na holds a unique status, functioning as marker of mood/modality and a clause-typing element. Additionally, the selectional restrictions these complementizers impose on inflection were also investigated. The results indicate that complementizers with low specification for LF- interpretability are more sensitive in SLI, while their selectional properties are active, revealing a problem in the morpho-phonological operation of spell-out rather than their lexical representation in the children's underlying grammar.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Argyri, Froso; Unsworth, Sharon; Cornips, L.; Hulk, Aafke; Sorace, Antonella
Bilingual Acquisition of Greek Voice Morphology and Dutch Gender: What Do They Have in Common? Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the Annual Boston University Conference on Language Development, vol. 35, 2011.
@article{Tsimpli2011e,
title = {Bilingual Acquisition of Greek Voice Morphology and Dutch Gender: What Do They Have in Common?},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Froso Argyri and Sharon Unsworth and L. Cornips and Aafke Hulk and Antonella Sorace},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
urldate = {2011-01-01},
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Tsimpli, Ianthi; Unsworth, Sharon; Argyri, Froso; Cornips, Leonie; Hulk, Aafke; Sorace, Antonella
The role of age of onset and input in early child bilingualism in Greek and Dutch Journal Article
In: Applied Psycholinguistics, vol. 35, no. 4, 2011.
@article{Tsimpli2011f,
title = {The role of age of onset and input in early child bilingualism in Greek and Dutch},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Sharon Unsworth and Froso Argyri and Leonie Cornips and Aafke Hulk and Antonella Sorace},
doi = {10.1017/S0142716412000574},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
urldate = {2011-01-01},
journal = {Applied Psycholinguistics},
volume = {35},
number = {4},
abstract = {Although input quantity has been shown to affect language development in bilingual acquisition (e.g., Cobo-Lewis et al. 2002, De Houwer 2008), the relationship between the amount of input and linguistic proficiency is not necessarily direct (e.g., Thordadottir 2008). Furthermore, input effects may be mediated by and interact with other factors. One such factor is age of onset (AO). In particular, it has recently been claimed that the morphosyntactic development of children with AO after 4 years is quantitatively and qualitatively different from those with AO before this age (Meisel 2009). This paper reports on a crosslinguistic study of the acquisition of grammatical gender in English/Dutch and English/Greek bilinguals to examine the effects of input quantity and AO in early child bilingualism.
},
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Although input quantity has been shown to affect language development in bilingual acquisition (e.g., Cobo-Lewis et al. 2002, De Houwer 2008), the relationship between the amount of input and linguistic proficiency is not necessarily direct (e.g., Thordadottir 2008). Furthermore, input effects may be mediated by and interact with other factors. One such factor is age of onset (AO). In particular, it has recently been claimed that the morphosyntactic development of children with AO after 4 years is quantitatively and qualitatively different from those with AO before this age (Meisel 2009). This paper reports on a crosslinguistic study of the acquisition of grammatical gender in English/Dutch and English/Greek bilinguals to examine the effects of input quantity and AO in early child bilingualism.
2010
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Peristeri, Eleni
An Interference Method to Investigate Working Memory in Greek-Speaking Patients with Broca's Aphasia Journal Article
In: Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 6, pp. 66–67, 2010.
@article{nokey,
title = {An Interference Method to Investigate Working Memory in Greek-Speaking Patients with Broca's Aphasia},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Eleni Peristeri},
doi = {10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.08.034},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-12-31},
urldate = {2010-12-31},
journal = {Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences},
volume = {6},
pages = {66–67},
abstract = {Deficits in working memory (WM) are a critical subset of non-linguistic deficits in aphasia. Significant differences between WM capacity of individuals with and without aphasia (Wright et al., 2003) and significant correlations between WM and general language measures (Wright et al., 2007) have been demonstrated. Further study of the role of WM in aphasia is important, for better understanding of the non-linguistic aspects of aphasia, developing valid and reliable assessment methods, and providing optimal treatment while taking non-linguistic factors into account.},
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Deficits in working memory (WM) are a critical subset of non-linguistic deficits in aphasia. Significant differences between WM capacity of individuals with and without aphasia (Wright et al., 2003) and significant correlations between WM and general language measures (Wright et al., 2007) have been demonstrated. Further study of the role of WM in aphasia is important, for better understanding of the non-linguistic aspects of aphasia, developing valid and reliable assessment methods, and providing optimal treatment while taking non-linguistic factors into account.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Peristeri, Eleni; Tsapkini, Kyrana
The Processing of Unaccusativity by Eight Greek-speaking Agrammatic Patients Journal Article
In: Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 6, pp. 176–177, 2010.
@article{Tsimpli2010,
title = {The Processing of Unaccusativity by Eight Greek-speaking Agrammatic Patients},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Eleni Peristeri and Kyrana Tsapkini},
doi = {10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.08.087},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-12-31},
urldate = {2010-12-31},
journal = {Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences},
volume = {6},
pages = {176–177},
abstract = {Comprehension of unaccusative verbs is reported to be impaired in individuals with agrammatic aphasia. Some studies have attributed this difficulty to a structural deficit in the representation of movement chains (Grodzinsky 1998). The goal of this paper is to provide evidence for the processing of unaccusativity by Greek-speaking patients with Broca’s aphasia. The present study differs from previous ones in that it examines three additional variables related to the morpho-syntactic properties of unaccusative verbs besides the traditional unaccusative vs. unergative distinction, namely,(i) the morphological marking of certain Greek unaccusatives with the non-active (NACT) suffix,(ii) the voice (ACT/NACT)-alternation of some Greek unaccusative verbs, and (iii) the [±animacy] of the derived subject.},
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Comprehension of unaccusative verbs is reported to be impaired in individuals with agrammatic aphasia. Some studies have attributed this difficulty to a structural deficit in the representation of movement chains (Grodzinsky 1998). The goal of this paper is to provide evidence for the processing of unaccusativity by Greek-speaking patients with Broca’s aphasia. The present study differs from previous ones in that it examines three additional variables related to the morpho-syntactic properties of unaccusative verbs besides the traditional unaccusative vs. unergative distinction, namely,(i) the morphological marking of certain Greek unaccusatives with the non-active (NACT) suffix,(ii) the voice (ACT/NACT)-alternation of some Greek unaccusative verbs, and (iii) the [±animacy] of the derived subject.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Fotiadou, Georgia
The acquisition of transitivity alternations in Greek: Does frequency count? Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 120, no. 11, pp. 2605-2626, 2010.
@article{Tsimpli2010b,
title = {The acquisition of transitivity alternations in Greek: Does frequency count?},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Georgia Fotiadou},
doi = {10.1016/j.lingua.2010.06.011},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-11-01},
urldate = {2010-11-01},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {120},
number = {11},
pages = {2605-2626},
abstract = {The present paper reports on the results of a study investigating the role of frequency in the acquisition of transitivity alternations in Greek. Transitivity alternations may or may not involve changes in the morphological marking of Voice on the verb. Results of a sentence-picture-matching task with child L1 learners of Greek (age range: 2;11–5;11) and a group of adult controls, show a clear developmental pattern in the number of interpretations children and adults allow. The developing L1 grammar shows evidence for multiple ambiguities in the interpretation of NACT and ACT morphology on the same verb, while the adult data show more unambiguous interpretations as a result of pragmatic or encyclopaedic information attached to verb entries in the adult grammar. The child and adult data from the SPM task is further compared with frequency counts of the readings that some of these verbs exhibit in written corpora of Greek (ILSP corpus (formal register) and a Web-based corpus created via automatic searches on the Internet (informal register). Finally, a small-scale analysis of child-directed speech from Stephany's (1997) data in CHILDES shows the rarity of NACT-marked verbs in the adult input as well as the tendency of each verb used to occur with one reading only. Findings are used to evaluate a usage-based approach to acquisition of transitivity alternations.},
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The present paper reports on the results of a study investigating the role of frequency in the acquisition of transitivity alternations in Greek. Transitivity alternations may or may not involve changes in the morphological marking of Voice on the verb. Results of a sentence-picture-matching task with child L1 learners of Greek (age range: 2;11–5;11) and a group of adult controls, show a clear developmental pattern in the number of interpretations children and adults allow. The developing L1 grammar shows evidence for multiple ambiguities in the interpretation of NACT and ACT morphology on the same verb, while the adult data show more unambiguous interpretations as a result of pragmatic or encyclopaedic information attached to verb entries in the adult grammar. The child and adult data from the SPM task is further compared with frequency counts of the readings that some of these verbs exhibit in written corpora of Greek (ILSP corpus (formal register) and a Web-based corpus created via automatic searches on the Internet (informal register). Finally, a small-scale analysis of child-directed speech from Stephany's (1997) data in CHILDES shows the rarity of NACT-marked verbs in the adult input as well as the tendency of each verb used to occur with one reading only. Findings are used to evaluate a usage-based approach to acquisition of transitivity alternations.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Papadopoulou, Despina; Mylonaki, Agapi
Temporal modification in Greek adverbial clauses: The role of aspect and negation Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 120, no. 3, pp. 649-672, 2010.
@article{Tsimpli2010c,
title = {Temporal modification in Greek adverbial clauses: The role of aspect and negation},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Despina Papadopoulou and Agapi Mylonaki},
doi = {10.1016/j.lingua.2008.10.008},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-03-01},
urldate = {2010-03-01},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {120},
number = {3},
pages = {649-672},
abstract = {The aim of this paper is to provide a formal account of the differences between adverbial clauses introduced by the Greek temporal connectives kathos, eno and afu. Based on Haegeman's (2003, this issue) criteria for distinguishing between central and peripheral clauses, we examine the ‘external’ and ‘internal’ syntax of Greek adverbials introduced by these connectives. Although Haegeman's proposal aims to cover not only English but also cross-linguistic properties of central vs. peripheral clauses, we would like to argue that there are certain language-specific criteria, namely aspect and negation, which could be used as additional support for the structural distinction proposed and which call for some modifications of the structural differences suggested for English adverbials. The Greek connectives are shown to be aspectually dependent in the sense that they are specified for [boundedness] as part of their lexical entry. This property affects their structural position in central vs. peripheral adverbials, on one hand, and the possibilities of temporal anchoring onto the matrix clause, on the other. Finally, the language-specific criteria discussed, namely aspect and negation, are tested through an interpretation task with native speakers of Greek in order to establish the preference for the temporal over the non-temporal readings when aspect and negation are controlled for.},
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The aim of this paper is to provide a formal account of the differences between adverbial clauses introduced by the Greek temporal connectives kathos, eno and afu. Based on Haegeman's (2003, this issue) criteria for distinguishing between central and peripheral clauses, we examine the ‘external’ and ‘internal’ syntax of Greek adverbials introduced by these connectives. Although Haegeman's proposal aims to cover not only English but also cross-linguistic properties of central vs. peripheral clauses, we would like to argue that there are certain language-specific criteria, namely aspect and negation, which could be used as additional support for the structural distinction proposed and which call for some modifications of the structural differences suggested for English adverbials. The Greek connectives are shown to be aspectually dependent in the sense that they are specified for [boundedness] as part of their lexical entry. This property affects their structural position in central vs. peripheral adverbials, on one hand, and the possibilities of temporal anchoring onto the matrix clause, on the other. Finally, the language-specific criteria discussed, namely aspect and negation, are tested through an interpretation task with native speakers of Greek in order to establish the preference for the temporal over the non-temporal readings when aspect and negation are controlled for.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Grohmann, Kleanthes K.
Introduction Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 120, no. 3, pp. 459–462, 2010.
@article{Tsimpli2010d,
title = {Introduction},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Kleanthes K. Grohmann},
doi = {10.1016/j.lingua.2008.11.012},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-03-01},
urldate = {2010-03-01},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {120},
number = {3},
pages = {459–462},
abstract = {The papers collected here originate in presentations at the Workshop on Universalist Perspectives on Relative Properties: Features vs. Constructions in the Clausal Left Periphery, which we jointly organized as part of the 39th Annual Meeting of the Societas Linguistica Europaea at the University of Bremen (September 1–2, 2006). (Two of the papers presented there have been published elsewhere and are hence not included in this collection; see Grohmann and Panagiotidis, 2009.) We thank our contributors – then and present – for participating in the workshop and for writing up their research results for this special issue of Lingua, and we are grateful to Neil Smith and Johan Rooryck for their positive reception of our suggestion to guest-edit this special issue.},
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pubstate = {published},
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The papers collected here originate in presentations at the Workshop on Universalist Perspectives on Relative Properties: Features vs. Constructions in the Clausal Left Periphery, which we jointly organized as part of the 39th Annual Meeting of the Societas Linguistica Europaea at the University of Bremen (September 1–2, 2006). (Two of the papers presented there have been published elsewhere and are hence not included in this collection; see Grohmann and Panagiotidis, 2009.) We thank our contributors – then and present – for participating in the workshop and for writing up their research results for this special issue of Lingua, and we are grateful to Neil Smith and Johan Rooryck for their positive reception of our suggestion to guest-edit this special issue.
2009
Tsimpli, Ianthi
'Critical' aspects of language: Complex syntax and morphology Journal Article
In: Zeitschrift für Sprachwissenschaft, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 79-86, 2009.
@article{Tsimpli2009,
title = {'Critical' aspects of language: Complex syntax and morphology},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1515/ZFSW.2009.009},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-06-05},
urldate = {2009-06-05},
journal = {Zeitschrift für Sprachwissenschaft},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {79-86},
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Tsimpli, Ianthi; Papadopoulou, Despina
Aspect and the interpretation of motion verbs in L2 Greek Journal Article
In: Representational deficits in SLA. Studies in honor of Roger Hawkins, pp. 187-227, 2009.
@article{Tsimpli2009c,
title = {Aspect and the interpretation of motion verbs in L2 Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Despina Papadopoulou},
doi = {10.1075/lald.47.11tsi},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-14},
urldate = {2009-01-14},
journal = {Representational deficits in SLA. Studies in honor of Roger Hawkins},
pages = {187-227},
abstract = {This study examines aspect in L2 acquisition within the framework of the Interpretability hypothesis (Tsimpli 2003; Hawkins & Hattori 2006; Tsimpli & Dimitrakopoulou 2007). Aspect in Greek is a grammaticalized, interpretable feature affecting the argument structure and the telic/atelic interpretation of manner-of-motion verbs. As such, aspect is relevant to the syntax-semantics and the syntax-discourse interfaces. Native speakers and L2 learners of Greek were tested on comprehension and production of manner-of-motion verbs. The results indicated that aspectual distinctions were appropriately used at both interface levels by the L2 learners, thus arguing in favour of the Interpretability Hypothesis. However, unlike NS, L2 learners rely more on lexical properties of prepositions and verbs than on grammatical aspect to encode (a)telicity. Moreover, L2 grammars of Greek seem to involve a one-to-one correspondence between perfectivity and telicity.},
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This study examines aspect in L2 acquisition within the framework of the Interpretability hypothesis (Tsimpli 2003; Hawkins & Hattori 2006; Tsimpli & Dimitrakopoulou 2007). Aspect in Greek is a grammaticalized, interpretable feature affecting the argument structure and the telic/atelic interpretation of manner-of-motion verbs. As such, aspect is relevant to the syntax-semantics and the syntax-discourse interfaces. Native speakers and L2 learners of Greek were tested on comprehension and production of manner-of-motion verbs. The results indicated that aspectual distinctions were appropriately used at both interface levels by the L2 learners, thus arguing in favour of the Interpretability Hypothesis. However, unlike NS, L2 learners rely more on lexical properties of prepositions and verbs than on grammatical aspect to encode (a)telicity. Moreover, L2 grammars of Greek seem to involve a one-to-one correspondence between perfectivity and telicity.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Papadopoulou, Despina; Rothweiler, Monika; Chilla, Solveig; Fox-Boyer, Annnette; Katsika, Kalliopi; Mastropavlou, Maria; Mylonaki, Agapi; Stahl, Nadine
Motion Verbs in Greek and German: Evidence from typically developing and SLI children Journal Article
In: Selected papers on theoretical and applied linguistics, vol. 18, pp. 289-299, 2009.
@article{Tsimpli2009b,
title = {Motion Verbs in Greek and German: Evidence from typically developing and SLI children},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Despina Papadopoulou and Monika Rothweiler and Solveig Chilla and Annnette Fox-Boyer and Kalliopi Katsika and Maria Mastropavlou and Agapi Mylonaki and Nadine Stahl},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
urldate = {2009-01-01},
journal = {Selected papers on theoretical and applied linguistics},
volume = { 18},
pages = {289-299},
abstract = {In this paper we report on the findings from a Greek and German production task which investigated the expression of constructions involving manner-of-motion verbs with Greek and German adults as well as typically developing and SLI children at the age of 5-6 years. The results showed that the typically developing children, when describing motion events, differed from the adults in the integration of grammatical information into motion predicates. The SLI children on the other hand displayed problems with the use of grammatical aspect (Greek) and case marking (German) as well as with ambiguous constructions (Greek).},
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In this paper we report on the findings from a Greek and German production task which investigated the expression of constructions involving manner-of-motion verbs with Greek and German adults as well as typically developing and SLI children at the age of 5-6 years. The results showed that the typically developing children, when describing motion events, differed from the adults in the integration of grammatical information into motion predicates. The SLI children on the other hand displayed problems with the use of grammatical aspect (Greek) and case marking (German) as well as with ambiguous constructions (Greek).
2007
Tsimpli, Ianthi
First language attrition from a minimalist perspective: Interface vulnerability and processing effects Book Chapter
In: vol. 33, no. 83, pp. 83-98, John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2007.
@inbook{Tsimpli2007c,
title = {First language attrition from a minimalist perspective: Interface vulnerability and processing effects},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1075/sibil.33.07tsi},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-08-08},
urldate = {2007-08-08},
volume = {33},
number = {83},
pages = {83-98},
publisher = {John Benjamins Publishing Company},
abstract = {The present paper deals with first language attrition under the influence of a second language. Two sets of data are presented: the first is offline data from a variety of tasks aiming to address the question of selective vulnerability of interfaces as opposed to the computational system underlying syntactic competence. This data is drawn from the study of Tsimpli, Sorace, Heycock and Filiaci (2004). The second set of data is drawn from a pilot study (Kaltsa 2006), involving an online grammaticality judgment task testing Case on determiners. This data is argued to address the possibility of syntactic attrition of a formal feature, i.e. case, in the domain of syntactic processing alone indicating that performance rather than competence problems are also involved.},
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The present paper deals with first language attrition under the influence of a second language. Two sets of data are presented: the first is offline data from a variety of tasks aiming to address the question of selective vulnerability of interfaces as opposed to the computational system underlying syntactic competence. This data is drawn from the study of Tsimpli, Sorace, Heycock and Filiaci (2004). The second set of data is drawn from a pilot study (Kaltsa 2006), involving an online grammaticality judgment task testing Case on determiners. This data is argued to address the possibility of syntactic attrition of a formal feature, i.e. case, in the domain of syntactic processing alone indicating that performance rather than competence problems are also involved.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Dimitrakopoulou, Maria
The Interpretability Hypothesis: Evidence from wh-interrogatives in second language acquisition Journal Article
In: Second Language Research, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 215-242, 2007.
@article{Tsimpli2007,
title = {The Interpretability Hypothesis: Evidence from wh-interrogatives in second language acquisition},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Maria Dimitrakopoulou},
doi = {10.1177/0267658307076546},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-04-01},
urldate = {2007-04-01},
journal = {Second Language Research},
volume = {23},
number = {2},
pages = {215-242},
abstract = {The second language acquisition (SLA) literature reports numerous studies of proficient second language (L2) speakers who diverge significantly from native speakers despite the evidence offered by the L2 input. Recent SLA theories have attempted to account for native speaker/non-native speaker (NS/NNS) divergence by arguing for the dissociation between syntactic knowledge and morpho(pho)nology. In particular, Lardiere (1998), Prévost and White (2000), and Goad and White (2004) claim that highly proficient learners have knowledge of the abstract syntactic properties of the language but occasionally fail to associate them with the correct morphological or phonological forms. On the other hand, theories that support partial availability of Universal Grammar (UG) (Tsimpli and Roussou 1991; Hawkins and Chan, 1997) argue for a problem in the syntax: while UG principles and operations are available in SLA, the formal features of the target language that are not instantiated in the L1 or have a different setting, cause learnability problems. This article discusses acquisitional data in the light of the Interpretability Hypothesis (Tsimpli and Mastropavlou, 2007), which is a reformulation of the SLA theory suggested by Tsimpli and Roussou (1991) in minimalist terms. It is argued that a minimalist approach to SLA can be implemented to specify the status of the features that are least accessible to re-setting in the SLA process, given (1) constraints on their learnability and (2), their setting in the L1 grammar. The phenomenon discussed concerns the use of the resumptive strategy in wh- subject and object extraction by intermediate and advanced Greek learners of English. It is proposed that the acceptability rate of pronouns in the extraction site is conditioned by the Logical Form (LF) interpretability of the features involved in the derivation. Hence, the interpretable features of animacy and discourse-linking are hypothesized to be involved in the analysis of English pronouns by Greek L2 learners, while the first language (L1) specification of resumptive pronouns as clusters of uninterpretable Case and Agreement features resists resetting.
},
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The second language acquisition (SLA) literature reports numerous studies of proficient second language (L2) speakers who diverge significantly from native speakers despite the evidence offered by the L2 input. Recent SLA theories have attempted to account for native speaker/non-native speaker (NS/NNS) divergence by arguing for the dissociation between syntactic knowledge and morpho(pho)nology. In particular, Lardiere (1998), Prévost and White (2000), and Goad and White (2004) claim that highly proficient learners have knowledge of the abstract syntactic properties of the language but occasionally fail to associate them with the correct morphological or phonological forms. On the other hand, theories that support partial availability of Universal Grammar (UG) (Tsimpli and Roussou 1991; Hawkins and Chan, 1997) argue for a problem in the syntax: while UG principles and operations are available in SLA, the formal features of the target language that are not instantiated in the L1 or have a different setting, cause learnability problems. This article discusses acquisitional data in the light of the Interpretability Hypothesis (Tsimpli and Mastropavlou, 2007), which is a reformulation of the SLA theory suggested by Tsimpli and Roussou (1991) in minimalist terms. It is argued that a minimalist approach to SLA can be implemented to specify the status of the features that are least accessible to re-setting in the SLA process, given (1) constraints on their learnability and (2), their setting in the L1 grammar. The phenomenon discussed concerns the use of the resumptive strategy in wh- subject and object extraction by intermediate and advanced Greek learners of English. It is proposed that the acceptability rate of pronouns in the extraction site is conditioned by the Logical Form (LF) interpretability of the features involved in the derivation. Hence, the interpretable features of animacy and discourse-linking are hypothesized to be involved in the analysis of English pronouns by Greek L2 learners, while the first language (L1) specification of resumptive pronouns as clusters of uninterpretable Case and Agreement features resists resetting.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Mastropavlou, Maria
Feature Interpretability in L2 Acquisition and SLI: Greek Clitics and Determiners Journal Article
In: The Role of Formal Features in Second Language Acquisition, pp. 143-183, 2007.
@article{Tsimpli2007b,
title = {Feature Interpretability in L2 Acquisition and SLI: Greek Clitics and Determiners},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Maria Mastropavlou},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
urldate = {2007-01-01},
journal = {The Role of Formal Features in Second Language Acquisition},
pages = {143-183},
abstract = {In recent research in language development, several attempts have been made to compare performance data from different populations (L1 or L2 learners, SLI, agrammatics) in order to provide an analysis that would account for the patterns observed, in a way that would minimize differences and maximize similarities (see, eg, the phenomenon of Optional Infinitives in SLI grammars and L1 acquisition in Genesee, Paradis, & Crago, 2004, Rice & Wexler 1996). 1 The aim of this chapter is to evaluate a theory of learnability based on differences in the interpretability status of formal features. This theory has been proposed for SLI children by Tsimpli and Stavrakaki (1999) and Tsimpli (2001), for L1 and L2 acquisition by Tsimpli (2003), and for L1 attrition by Sorace (2000) and Tsimpli, Sorace, Heycock and Filiaci (in press). The theory is based on the following premises:(a) a Minimalist distinction between interpretable and uninterpretable features as these are read off by each of the two interfaces, LF (Logical Form) and PF (Phonetic Form);(b) developmental differences based on the accessibility of uninterpretable features in a comparison between L1 and L2 learners as well as between normal and SLI children, and (c) compensatory strategies implemented in the case of uninterpretable features that fail to be analyzed by the developing grammar. In the following section, each of these assumptions will be articulated in more detail.},
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In recent research in language development, several attempts have been made to compare performance data from different populations (L1 or L2 learners, SLI, agrammatics) in order to provide an analysis that would account for the patterns observed, in a way that would minimize differences and maximize similarities (see, eg, the phenomenon of Optional Infinitives in SLI grammars and L1 acquisition in Genesee, Paradis, & Crago, 2004, Rice & Wexler 1996). 1 The aim of this chapter is to evaluate a theory of learnability based on differences in the interpretability status of formal features. This theory has been proposed for SLI children by Tsimpli and Stavrakaki (1999) and Tsimpli (2001), for L1 and L2 acquisition by Tsimpli (2003), and for L1 attrition by Sorace (2000) and Tsimpli, Sorace, Heycock and Filiaci (in press). The theory is based on the following premises:(a) a Minimalist distinction between interpretable and uninterpretable features as these are read off by each of the two interfaces, LF (Logical Form) and PF (Phonetic Form);(b) developmental differences based on the accessibility of uninterpretable features in a comparison between L1 and L2 learners as well as between normal and SLI children, and (c) compensatory strategies implemented in the case of uninterpretable features that fail to be analyzed by the developing grammar. In the following section, each of these assumptions will be articulated in more detail.
2006
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Variation in Second Language Acquisition Journal Article
In: Encyclopedia of Language & Linguistics, vol. 2, pp. 387-395, 2006.
@article{Tsimpli2006,
title = {Variation in Second Language Acquisition},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1016/B0-08-044854-2/01489-9},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-12-31},
urldate = {2006-12-31},
journal = {Encyclopedia of Language & Linguistics},
volume = {2},
pages = {387-395},
abstract = {Ianthi Maria Tsimpli was born in Athens, Greece. She studied Medieval and Modern Greek at the University of Athens (B.A., 1986) and Linguistics at University College London (Ph.D., 1992, published by Garland, 1996). She taught Linguistics at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and at the Research Centre for English and Applied Linguistics, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She is Associate Professor at the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, School of English, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Her research interests and publications include first and second language acquisition, theoretical syntax, language disorders, first language attrition, and the interaction between language and cognition. Since 1990, she has extensively worked with Neil Smith on the case of a polyglot-savant, Christopher. This research has been published in various articles, and in a monograph (Smith and Tsimpli, 1995). A follow-up monograph on Christopher's acquisition of British Sign Language by Morgan et al., Signs of a Savant, is forthcoming from Cambridge University Press.},
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Ianthi Maria Tsimpli was born in Athens, Greece. She studied Medieval and Modern Greek at the University of Athens (B.A., 1986) and Linguistics at University College London (Ph.D., 1992, published by Garland, 1996). She taught Linguistics at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and at the Research Centre for English and Applied Linguistics, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She is Associate Professor at the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, School of English, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Her research interests and publications include first and second language acquisition, theoretical syntax, language disorders, first language attrition, and the interaction between language and cognition. Since 1990, she has extensively worked with Neil Smith on the case of a polyglot-savant, Christopher. This research has been published in various articles, and in a monograph (Smith and Tsimpli, 1995). A follow-up monograph on Christopher's acquisition of British Sign Language by Morgan et al., Signs of a Savant, is forthcoming from Cambridge University Press.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Papadopoulou, Despina
Aspect and argument realization: A study on antecedentless null objects in Greek Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 116, no. 10, pp. 1595-1615, 2006.
@article{Tsimpli2006b,
title = {Aspect and argument realization: A study on antecedentless null objects in Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Despina Papadopoulou},
doi = {10.1016/j.lingua.2005.07.011},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-10-01},
urldate = {2006-10-01},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {116},
number = {10},
pages = {1595-1615},
abstract = {The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between viewpoint aspect and argument realization. More specifically, we examine the correlation of +/−perfective verb forms in Greek and null objects with indefinite, non-specific interpretation. It is argued that although null objects are possible with both perfective and imperfective verbs, imperfective verbs favour object omission more than perfectives. We claim that this is due to two reasons: first, that there is a difference in the syntactic representation of overt direct objects with perfective and imperfective verbs, which is associated with the notion of economy in their respective derivations, i.e. Merge as opposed to Merge + Move; secondly, that perfective verbs show an interpretive difference at the LF interface depending on the overt versus null nature of the direct object, whereas imperfectives do not. The difference is related to the semantic notion of telicity. This prediction has been tested in an off-line sentence-completion task with two groups of native speakers of Greek, an adult and a child group. The data revealed that native speakers of Greek preferred to use overt DP objects with perfective verbs more than with imperfectives. This finding is interpreted as showing that Aspect is a functional feature with an effect on argument realization.},
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The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between viewpoint aspect and argument realization. More specifically, we examine the correlation of +/−perfective verb forms in Greek and null objects with indefinite, non-specific interpretation. It is argued that although null objects are possible with both perfective and imperfective verbs, imperfective verbs favour object omission more than perfectives. We claim that this is due to two reasons: first, that there is a difference in the syntactic representation of overt direct objects with perfective and imperfective verbs, which is associated with the notion of economy in their respective derivations, i.e. Merge as opposed to Merge + Move; secondly, that perfective verbs show an interpretive difference at the LF interface depending on the overt versus null nature of the direct object, whereas imperfectives do not. The difference is related to the semantic notion of telicity. This prediction has been tested in an off-line sentence-completion task with two groups of native speakers of Greek, an adult and a child group. The data revealed that native speakers of Greek preferred to use overt DP objects with perfective verbs more than with imperfectives. This finding is interpreted as showing that Aspect is a functional feature with an effect on argument realization.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Morgan, Gary; Smith, Neil; Woll, Bencie
Classifier learning and modality in a polyglot savant Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 117, no. 7, 2006.
@article{Tsimpli2006c,
title = {Classifier learning and modality in a polyglot savant},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Gary Morgan and Neil Smith and Bencie Woll},
doi = {10.1016/j.lingua.2006.01.005},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-04-06},
urldate = {2006-04-06},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {117},
number = {7},
abstract = {Christopher (C) is a mildly autistic, severely apraxic, savant who learns languages with surprising ease. Surprising because outside language-learning he has severe difficulties in 'non-verbal' cognitive domains, particularly where his visuo-spatial abilities are involved. C's unique language learning skill has been reported on in several previous studies, but his verbal abilities have previously been measured mainly in his learning of different spoken and written languages, that is in the modality of oral language. In earlier work we have also described some aspects of C's learning of British Sign Language (BSL), a language produced and perceived in the visual modality. The present investigation gives further details of C's learning of BSL, by focusing on his use of sign language classifiers, and compares his uneven learning with that of a group of university language honours students. Specifically, although after exposure to an introduction to sign language course, C performed within normal limits on a variety of BSL constructions, he had significant difficulty with the production and comprehension of classifiers, a category that crucially involves the interaction of grammatical and spatial cognition. Here we present two new sets of results of tests of C's understanding and use of classifiers: his comprehension of sentences with differing degrees of spatial and grammatical encoding, and his performance on a placement task involving classifiers. In the first task C's poor performance was worst on those sentences with the most complex demands on spatial cognition. In the task placing objects on a table C performed well with real object placement but could not use the classifier system to represent object placement in sign space. Performance on these tasks as well as C's uneven profile of BSL acquisition is interpreted within an established model of the mind but with modifications to accommodate the interface between language processing and non-verbal, visuo-spatial cognition.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Christopher (C) is a mildly autistic, severely apraxic, savant who learns languages with surprising ease. Surprising because outside language-learning he has severe difficulties in 'non-verbal' cognitive domains, particularly where his visuo-spatial abilities are involved. C's unique language learning skill has been reported on in several previous studies, but his verbal abilities have previously been measured mainly in his learning of different spoken and written languages, that is in the modality of oral language. In earlier work we have also described some aspects of C's learning of British Sign Language (BSL), a language produced and perceived in the visual modality. The present investigation gives further details of C's learning of BSL, by focusing on his use of sign language classifiers, and compares his uneven learning with that of a group of university language honours students. Specifically, although after exposure to an introduction to sign language course, C performed within normal limits on a variety of BSL constructions, he had significant difficulty with the production and comprehension of classifiers, a category that crucially involves the interaction of grammatical and spatial cognition. Here we present two new sets of results of tests of C's understanding and use of classifiers: his comprehension of sentences with differing degrees of spatial and grammatical encoding, and his performance on a placement task involving classifiers. In the first task C's poor performance was worst on those sentences with the most complex demands on spatial cognition. In the task placing objects on a table C performed well with real object placement but could not use the classifier system to represent object placement in sign space. Performance on these tasks as well as C's uneven profile of BSL acquisition is interpreted within an established model of the mind but with modifications to accommodate the interface between language processing and non-verbal, visuo-spatial cognition.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Maria, Ianthi
The Acquisition of Voice and Transitivity Alternations in Greek as Native and Second Language Journal Article
In: Paths of Development in L1 and L2 Acquisition, pp. 15-55, 2006.
@article{Tsimpli2006e,
title = {The Acquisition of Voice and Transitivity Alternations in Greek as Native and Second Language},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Ianthi Maria},
doi = {10.1075/lald.39.03tsi},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-02-15},
urldate = {2006-02-15},
journal = {Paths of Development in L1 and L2 Acquisition},
pages = {15-55},
abstract = {This paper investigates the acquisition of Greek voice morphology in relation to transitivity alternations.‘Non—active’voice morphology is found in reflexive, anti—causative and passive structures. The role of the non—active morpheme is to ‘check’a thematic feature of the verb, internal or external. Developmentally, the study addresses hypotheses proposed for the acquisition of transitivity alternations (Borer 8: Wexler 1987; Borer 2004), based on comprehension and production data from Greek L1, as well as L1 Turkish speakers with Greek L2. Results show that L1 and L2 learners can ‘read’non—active morphology as passive or reflexive, indicating that it is syntactically computed. The differences between learners and native controls concern use of non—syntactic constraints on an otherwise target—like grammatical system (Borer 2004).},
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}
This paper investigates the acquisition of Greek voice morphology in relation to transitivity alternations.‘Non—active’voice morphology is found in reflexive, anti—causative and passive structures. The role of the non—active morpheme is to ‘check’a thematic feature of the verb, internal or external. Developmentally, the study addresses hypotheses proposed for the acquisition of transitivity alternations (Borer 8: Wexler 1987; Borer 2004), based on comprehension and production data from Greek L1, as well as L1 Turkish speakers with Greek L2. Results show that L1 and L2 learners can ‘read’non—active morphology as passive or reflexive, indicating that it is syntactically computed. The differences between learners and native controls concern use of non—syntactic constraints on an otherwise target—like grammatical system (Borer 2004).
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Sorace, Antonella
Differentiating Interfaces: L2 Performance in Syntax-Semantics and Syntax-Discourse Phenomena Journal Article
In: Proceedings of The IEEE - PIEEE, vol. 30, 2006.
@article{Tsimpli2006d,
title = {Differentiating Interfaces: L2 Performance in Syntax-Semantics and Syntax-Discourse Phenomena},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Antonella Sorace},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
urldate = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Proceedings of The IEEE - PIEEE},
volume = {30},
abstract = {This paper aims to distinguish between the syntax-semantics and the syntax-discourse interface in terms of the different phenomena relevant to each and the nature of the developmental patterns they display. Furthermore, the distinction between the two interfaces is based on the assumption that the syntax-discourse interface is a 'higher' level of language use, integrating properties of language and pragmatic processing, whereas syntax-semantics involve formal properties of the language system alone. The above differences are further used to evaluate L2 performance in the relevant interface phenomena. It is argued that problems in syntax-discourse phenomena in the production data of 'advanced' Russian learners of Greek are due to L1-L2 interference at this 'higher' level of language use. Syntax-semantics phenomena, on the other hand, are predicted to cause fewer problems at advanced stages of L2 development in the same group of learners. 1. Interface issues in L2 acquisition},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper aims to distinguish between the syntax-semantics and the syntax-discourse interface in terms of the different phenomena relevant to each and the nature of the developmental patterns they display. Furthermore, the distinction between the two interfaces is based on the assumption that the syntax-discourse interface is a 'higher' level of language use, integrating properties of language and pragmatic processing, whereas syntax-semantics involve formal properties of the language system alone. The above differences are further used to evaluate L2 performance in the relevant interface phenomena. It is argued that problems in syntax-discourse phenomena in the production data of 'advanced' Russian learners of Greek are due to L1-L2 interference at this 'higher' level of language use. Syntax-semantics phenomena, on the other hand, are predicted to cause fewer problems at advanced stages of L2 development in the same group of learners. 1. Interface issues in L2 acquisition
2005
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Parodi, Teresa
'Real' and apparent optionality in second language grammars: Finiteness and pronouns in null operator structures Journal Article
In: Second Language Research, vol. 21, 2005.
@article{Tsimpli2005,
title = {'Real' and apparent optionality in second language grammars: Finiteness and pronouns in null operator structures},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Teresa Parodi},
doi = {10.1191/0267658305sr248oa},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-07-01},
urldate = {2005-07-01},
journal = {Second Language Research},
volume = {21},
abstract = {The existence of optionality in acquisitional data presents a problem to the view that developing grammars do not include more than one grammatical system at any stage. In this article data from Greek and Spanish, on the one hand, and English, on the other, constitute the background for the discussion of the existence of ‘true’ optionality in second language (L2) grammars and its potential persistence at advanced proficiency levels. We also discuss the relation between optionality and finiteness features in L2 grammars as well as how morphology interacts with the development of null operator structures (NOS). Specifically the article deals with the use of pronouns or empty categories in NOS and their relation to finiteness. We discuss the role of clitics in adult second language acquisition when the first language (L1) and the L2 differ in the choices of the pronominal system and in their choice for a gap or clitic pronoun in NOS. The subjects studied are speakers of Greek and of Spanish, languages with clitics, learning English, a language without clitics, as well as speakers of English learning Greek or Spanish. The data collected support the claim that optionality is found in developing grammars but not randomly. First, there is a difference in the degree and nature of optionality found developmentally in advanced as opposed to intermediate learners; secondly, the degree of optionality depends on the morphological richness characterizing L1 and L2 in relation to the phenomena studied. Thus, English learners of Spanish or Greek show more optionality in the use of clitic pronouns and less evidence for a correlation between finiteness and clitics in NOS. On the other hand, Spanish/Greek learners of English show constrained optionality in the use of empty categories or pronouns in NOS.},
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}
The existence of optionality in acquisitional data presents a problem to the view that developing grammars do not include more than one grammatical system at any stage. In this article data from Greek and Spanish, on the one hand, and English, on the other, constitute the background for the discussion of the existence of ‘true’ optionality in second language (L2) grammars and its potential persistence at advanced proficiency levels. We also discuss the relation between optionality and finiteness features in L2 grammars as well as how morphology interacts with the development of null operator structures (NOS). Specifically the article deals with the use of pronouns or empty categories in NOS and their relation to finiteness. We discuss the role of clitics in adult second language acquisition when the first language (L1) and the L2 differ in the choices of the pronominal system and in their choice for a gap or clitic pronoun in NOS. The subjects studied are speakers of Greek and of Spanish, languages with clitics, learning English, a language without clitics, as well as speakers of English learning Greek or Spanish. The data collected support the claim that optionality is found in developing grammars but not randomly. First, there is a difference in the degree and nature of optionality found developmentally in advanced as opposed to intermediate learners; secondly, the degree of optionality depends on the morphological richness characterizing L1 and L2 in relation to the phenomena studied. Thus, English learners of Spanish or Greek show more optionality in the use of clitic pronouns and less evidence for a correlation between finiteness and clitics in NOS. On the other hand, Spanish/Greek learners of English show constrained optionality in the use of empty categories or pronouns in NOS.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Papadopoulou, Despina
Morphological Cues in Children's Processing of Ambiguous Sentences: A Study of Subject/Object Ambiguities in Greek Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the Annual Boston University Conference on Language Development, vol. 29, pp. 471-481, 2005.
@article{Tsimpli2005b,
title = {Morphological Cues in Children's Processing of Ambiguous Sentences: A Study of Subject/Object Ambiguities in Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Despina Papadopoulou},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
urldate = {2005-01-01},
journal = {Proceedings of the Annual Boston University Conference on Language Development},
volume = {29},
pages = {471-481},
abstract = {In this paper, we investigate the on-line processing of locally ambiguous sentences, in which the ambiguity is resolved by morphological means, namely by SV agreement and Case on DPs. Moreover, we compare the parsing strategies employed by adult readers with those used by children in order to examine the development of the parser. The method used is an on-line measure, more specifically a self-paced reading task. The structures we tested involve subject/object ambiguities, in which the verb of a pre-posed adverbial clause is optionally transitive and followed by a DP which could be either the object of the embedded verb (la) or the subject of the main verb.
},
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In this paper, we investigate the on-line processing of locally ambiguous sentences, in which the ambiguity is resolved by morphological means, namely by SV agreement and Case on DPs. Moreover, we compare the parsing strategies employed by adult readers with those used by children in order to examine the development of the parser. The method used is an on-line measure, more specifically a self-paced reading task. The structures we tested involve subject/object ambiguities, in which the verb of a pre-posed adverbial clause is optionally transitive and followed by a DP which could be either the object of the embedded verb (la) or the subject of the main verb.
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Peripheral Positions in Early Greek Journal Article
In: 2005.
@article{Tsimpli2005c,
title = {Peripheral Positions in Early Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1075/la.76.08tsi},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
urldate = {2005-01-01},
abstract = {This paper aims to provide a new approach to the development of clause structure in L1 acquisition on the basis of the distinction between LF-interpretable and LF- uninterpretable features which is argued to have effects on learnability. The study concentrates on the acquisition of syntactic phenomena which are related to the syntax / pragmatics interface, namely focusing, dislocation and clitic-doubling in Greek. On the assumption that these syntactic phenomena involve a grammatical representation of certain functional features on 'peripheral' functional heads (CP / FP), the aim is to identify a developmental pattern that describes the sequence in which these structures emerge in Greek L1 acquisition. The early acquisition of the left-periphery is then juxtaposed to the relatively delayed acquisition of the inflectional domain.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper aims to provide a new approach to the development of clause structure in L1 acquisition on the basis of the distinction between LF-interpretable and LF- uninterpretable features which is argued to have effects on learnability. The study concentrates on the acquisition of syntactic phenomena which are related to the syntax / pragmatics interface, namely focusing, dislocation and clitic-doubling in Greek. On the assumption that these syntactic phenomena involve a grammatical representation of certain functional features on 'peripheral' functional heads (CP / FP), the aim is to identify a developmental pattern that describes the sequence in which these structures emerge in Greek L1 acquisition. The early acquisition of the left-periphery is then juxtaposed to the relatively delayed acquisition of the inflectional domain.
2004
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Soraceand, Antonella; Heycock, Caroline; Filiaci, Francesca
First Language Attrition and Syntactic Subjects: A Study of Greek and Italian Near-Native Speakers of English Journal Article
In: International Journal of Bilingualism, vol. 8, no. 257, 2004.
@article{Tsimpli2004,
title = {First Language Attrition and Syntactic Subjects: A Study of Greek and Italian Near-Native Speakers of English},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Antonella Soraceand and Caroline Heycock and Francesca Filiaci},
doi = {10.1177/13670069040080030601},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-09-01},
urldate = {2004-09-01},
journal = {International Journal of Bilingualism},
volume = {8},
number = {257},
abstract = {In this paper we present some results from an experimental study that we have been conducting into the effects of syntactic attrition on the L1 of Greek and Italian speakers who have achieved near-native proficiency in their L2 (English) but still use their L1 on a regular basis. In particular, we test the hypothesis, developed on the basis of assumptions regarding syntactic modularity, that the changes in L1 syntax will be restricted to the interface with the conceptual /intentional cognitive systems. The area of investigation is the domain of grammatical subjects in Greek and Italian. More specifically, we tested the participants on the production and interpretation of null and overt subjects, and of preverbal and postverbal subjects. We also elicited grammaticality judgments on subject extraction and subject position in various syntactic contexts. In this paper we report on the results of one of the production tasks (of preverbal and postverbal subjects) and two interpretation tasks. Attrition effects are found in the production of preverbal subjects in the Greek group whereas Italian speakers show attrition effects in the interpretation of overt pronominal subjects. We argue that these results are in the right direction, that is, that semantic features are vulnerable in language attrition whereas syntactic options remain intact.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this paper we present some results from an experimental study that we have been conducting into the effects of syntactic attrition on the L1 of Greek and Italian speakers who have achieved near-native proficiency in their L2 (English) but still use their L1 on a regular basis. In particular, we test the hypothesis, developed on the basis of assumptions regarding syntactic modularity, that the changes in L1 syntax will be restricted to the interface with the conceptual /intentional cognitive systems. The area of investigation is the domain of grammatical subjects in Greek and Italian. More specifically, we tested the participants on the production and interpretation of null and overt subjects, and of preverbal and postverbal subjects. We also elicited grammaticality judgments on subject extraction and subject position in various syntactic contexts. In this paper we report on the results of one of the production tasks (of preverbal and postverbal subjects) and two interpretation tasks. Attrition effects are found in the production of preverbal subjects in the Greek group whereas Italian speakers show attrition effects in the interpretation of overt pronominal subjects. We argue that these results are in the right direction, that is, that semantic features are vulnerable in language attrition whereas syntactic options remain intact.
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Iterprétabilité des traits et acquisition des langues maternelle et seconde : clitiques et déterminants en grec Journal Article
In: Acquisition et interaction en langue étrangère, pp. 87-128, 2004.
@article{Tsimpli2004b,
title = {Iterprétabilité des traits et acquisition des langues maternelle et seconde : clitiques et déterminants en grec},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.4000/aile.1175},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-06-02},
urldate = {2004-06-02},
journal = {Acquisition et interaction en langue étrangère},
pages = {87-128},
abstract = {The aim of this paper is to investigate a learnability hypothesis for child L1 and adult L2 acquisition formulated on the basis of the distinction between interpretable and uninterpretable grammatical features. It is argued that the difference between first and second language grammars is restricted to the domain of uninterpretable features in that these are subject to Critical Period constraints. Consequently, uninterpretable features become inaccessible in L2 acquisition and, thus, “late”L2 grammars misanalyse elements which are clusters of such features in the target language. Morphological elements of this type are pronominal clitics and the definite article in Greek which belong to the same category, namely D(eterminer). The distinction within the set of pronominal clitics between 1st and 2nd prson clit ics, on one hand, and 3rd person clitics, on the other, is also viewed as a difference between the former composition, while the latter are unspecified for this feature. As a result, the prediction is that L2 acquisition should mirror this difference in terms of a dissociation in the development of clitics with a [person] feature, and those without. On the basis of the data presented, it is argued that L1 acquisition of clitics and determiners is characterized by an earliest stage where these morphemes – and, arguably, the corresponding projections –are missing, to the second stage which shows mastery of the relevant features regardless of interpretability. On the other hand, L2 acquisition data from an advanced stage of development show persistent problems in the use of the 3rd person clitic and the definite article, thus supporting the hypothesis regarding the learnability hierarchy of interpretable and uninterpretable features and, at the same time, showing that use of determiners and clitics is restricted by a feature of [referentiality / definiteness] imposed on these problematic elements by the L2 grammar. As a result, L2 grammars are shown to “misanalyse” these elements by attributing interpretable features to them in order to constrain random optionality in their use.},
keywords = {},
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}
The aim of this paper is to investigate a learnability hypothesis for child L1 and adult L2 acquisition formulated on the basis of the distinction between interpretable and uninterpretable grammatical features. It is argued that the difference between first and second language grammars is restricted to the domain of uninterpretable features in that these are subject to Critical Period constraints. Consequently, uninterpretable features become inaccessible in L2 acquisition and, thus, “late”L2 grammars misanalyse elements which are clusters of such features in the target language. Morphological elements of this type are pronominal clitics and the definite article in Greek which belong to the same category, namely D(eterminer). The distinction within the set of pronominal clitics between 1st and 2nd prson clit ics, on one hand, and 3rd person clitics, on the other, is also viewed as a difference between the former composition, while the latter are unspecified for this feature. As a result, the prediction is that L2 acquisition should mirror this difference in terms of a dissociation in the development of clitics with a [person] feature, and those without. On the basis of the data presented, it is argued that L1 acquisition of clitics and determiners is characterized by an earliest stage where these morphemes – and, arguably, the corresponding projections –are missing, to the second stage which shows mastery of the relevant features regardless of interpretability. On the other hand, L2 acquisition data from an advanced stage of development show persistent problems in the use of the 3rd person clitic and the definite article, thus supporting the hypothesis regarding the learnability hierarchy of interpretable and uninterpretable features and, at the same time, showing that use of determiners and clitics is restricted by a feature of [referentiality / definiteness] imposed on these problematic elements by the L2 grammar. As a result, L2 grammars are shown to “misanalyse” these elements by attributing interpretable features to them in order to constrain random optionality in their use.
2003
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Clitics and Determiners in L2 Greek Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the 6th generative approaches to second language acquisition conference, pp. 331-339, 2003.
@article{Tsimpli2003,
title = {Clitics and Determiners in L2 Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
year = {2003},
date = {2003-01-01},
urldate = {2003-01-01},
journal = {Proceedings of the 6th generative approaches to second language acquisition conference},
pages = {331-339},
abstract = {This paper aims to investigate the properties of nominal elements in bilingual speakers of Turkish and Russian learning Greek as a second language. Specifically, the data examined include the use of determiners in definite and indefinite DPs and pronominal (object) clitics. Primarily, the study seeks to identify the (abstract) morphological features which show differential development in the L2 grammar. The ‘uneven’pattern revealed helps to shed light on the question of ultimate attainment, particularly in view of the fact that the L2ers who participated in the study have been exposed to the language in its natural context and had no prior knowledge of Greek. Individual variation found among the L2 learners although superficially problematic for a UG-based theory of language development, is, at the same time, interesting in that the pattern of differential development of formal features is consistent among learners and the variation attested is one of degree. Furthermore, the differences found between the formal features examined raise interesting implications with regard to the possibilities of ‘morphological misanalysis’ in L2 grammars. In this respect, the question of mapping abstract formal features onto morpho (phono) logical matrices is narrowed down to a subset of features that show ‘deviant’L2 behaviour.},
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This paper aims to investigate the properties of nominal elements in bilingual speakers of Turkish and Russian learning Greek as a second language. Specifically, the data examined include the use of determiners in definite and indefinite DPs and pronominal (object) clitics. Primarily, the study seeks to identify the (abstract) morphological features which show differential development in the L2 grammar. The ‘uneven’pattern revealed helps to shed light on the question of ultimate attainment, particularly in view of the fact that the L2ers who participated in the study have been exposed to the language in its natural context and had no prior knowledge of Greek. Individual variation found among the L2 learners although superficially problematic for a UG-based theory of language development, is, at the same time, interesting in that the pattern of differential development of formal features is consistent among learners and the variation attested is one of degree. Furthermore, the differences found between the formal features examined raise interesting implications with regard to the possibilities of ‘morphological misanalysis’ in L2 grammars. In this respect, the question of mapping abstract formal features onto morpho (phono) logical matrices is narrowed down to a subset of features that show ‘deviant’L2 behaviour.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Sorace, Antonella; Heycock, Caroline; Filiaci, Francesca; Bouba, Maria
Subjects in L1 Attrition: Evidence from Greek and Italian Near-Native Speakers of English Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the 27th annual Boston University conference on language development, pp. 787-797, 2003.
@article{Tsimpli2003b,
title = {Subjects in L1 Attrition: Evidence from Greek and Italian Near-Native Speakers of English},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Antonella Sorace and Caroline Heycock and Francesca Filiaci and Maria Bouba},
year = {2003},
date = {2003-01-01},
urldate = {2003-01-01},
journal = {Proceedings of the 27th annual Boston University conference on language development},
pages = {787-797},
abstract = {1. Background Assumptions and the basic hypothesis • Syntactic attrition is a consequence of a long-term contact of the native with the second language; it is expected to be found primarily in near-native speakers of the second language who use L1 and L2 in roughly equal amounts in everyday situations. • Syntactic attrition could be described as a change in the steady-state of L1 as this is found in monolingual speakers. • Within the Principles and Parameters framework, the change in the S s (L1) is predicted to affect aspects of a parameter for which the L1 and L2 assume a different value (e.g. the Null Subject parameter in Italian vs English). • However, syntactic attrition cannot be argued to change (or 'unset') the L1 value of a given parameter as this would imply that the syntax of the native language can be lost in case a second language is acquired. • In Minimalist terms (Chomsky, 1995), morpho-syntactic features differ in terms of their interpretability at LF. Parameters are associated with the value of non-interpretable features only. By assumption, parameter-setting in L1 acquisition remains constant and cannot be affected by syntactic attrition (for reasons to do with the Modularity of the language system). • In L2 acquisition and language impairment, the distinction between interpretable and non-interpretable features seems to affect learnability (Tsimpli, 1996, 2001). • The Hypothesis: Syntactic attrition primarily affects morpho-syntactic features that are interpretable at the LF interface (Sorace, 2000). Being an interface level, LF is not modular and allows for changes in the interpretation of morpho-syntactic features in the context of L1/L2 contact resulting in syntactic attrition. • Through attrition the affected features become unspecified giving rise to optionality in grammatical options.},
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1. Background Assumptions and the basic hypothesis • Syntactic attrition is a consequence of a long-term contact of the native with the second language; it is expected to be found primarily in near-native speakers of the second language who use L1 and L2 in roughly equal amounts in everyday situations. • Syntactic attrition could be described as a change in the steady-state of L1 as this is found in monolingual speakers. • Within the Principles and Parameters framework, the change in the S s (L1) is predicted to affect aspects of a parameter for which the L1 and L2 assume a different value (e.g. the Null Subject parameter in Italian vs English). • However, syntactic attrition cannot be argued to change (or 'unset') the L1 value of a given parameter as this would imply that the syntax of the native language can be lost in case a second language is acquired. • In Minimalist terms (Chomsky, 1995), morpho-syntactic features differ in terms of their interpretability at LF. Parameters are associated with the value of non-interpretable features only. By assumption, parameter-setting in L1 acquisition remains constant and cannot be affected by syntactic attrition (for reasons to do with the Modularity of the language system). • In L2 acquisition and language impairment, the distinction between interpretable and non-interpretable features seems to affect learnability (Tsimpli, 1996, 2001). • The Hypothesis: Syntactic attrition primarily affects morpho-syntactic features that are interpretable at the LF interface (Sorace, 2000). Being an interface level, LF is not modular and allows for changes in the interpretation of morpho-syntactic features in the context of L1/L2 contact resulting in syntactic attrition. • Through attrition the affected features become unspecified giving rise to optionality in grammatical options.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Smith, Neil; Hermelin, Beate
Dissociation of social affect and theory of mind in a case of Asperger syndrome Journal Article
In: vol. 15, pp. 357-377, 2003.
@article{Tsimpli2003c,
title = {Dissociation of social affect and theory of mind in a case of Asperger syndrome},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Neil Smith and Beate Hermelin},
year = {2003},
date = {2003-01-01},
urldate = {2003-01-01},
volume = {15},
pages = {357-377},
abstract = {We report on a case of Asperger syndrome (KH), who has considerable linguistic ability with a verbal IQ of 153. Strikingly, he readily and correctly identifies the use of sarcasm, showing mastery of the meta-representation and dissocia tion characteristic of 'interpretive use'. Cu rrent theories of the syndrome largely agree on the constellation of properties which define it, but disagree on whether the basic cause resides in a deficit in Theory of Mind or in a social and emotional deficit. We suggest an account in a 'quasi-modular' version of the modularity hypothesis, as developed by Smith and Tsimpli. We specify a range of quasi-modules (including Theory of Mind and Social Interaction, itself divided into Social Cognition an d Soci al Aff ect); we outline the structure of the Emotional component, including basic and derived emotions; and we then spell out some of their inter-connections and their relation to the Language Faculty. Our tentative conclusion is that all these components may dissociate, and that high intelligence, combined with linguistic ability, may mask a deficit in Theory of Mind, though not in Social Affect.},
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We report on a case of Asperger syndrome (KH), who has considerable linguistic ability with a verbal IQ of 153. Strikingly, he readily and correctly identifies the use of sarcasm, showing mastery of the meta-representation and dissocia tion characteristic of 'interpretive use'. Cu rrent theories of the syndrome largely agree on the constellation of properties which define it, but disagree on whether the basic cause resides in a deficit in Theory of Mind or in a social and emotional deficit. We suggest an account in a 'quasi-modular' version of the modularity hypothesis, as developed by Smith and Tsimpli. We specify a range of quasi-modules (including Theory of Mind and Social Interaction, itself divided into Social Cognition an d Soci al Aff ect); we outline the structure of the Emotional component, including basic and derived emotions; and we then spell out some of their inter-connections and their relation to the Language Faculty. Our tentative conclusion is that all these components may dissociate, and that high intelligence, combined with linguistic ability, may mask a deficit in Theory of Mind, though not in Social Affect.
2002
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Morgan, Gary; Woll, Bencie; Abbott, Jamie; Smith, Neil
The effects of modality on BSL development in an exceptional learner Book Chapter
In: pp. 422-441, Cambridge University Press, 2002.
@inbook{Tsimpli2002,
title = {The effects of modality on BSL development in an exceptional learner},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Gary Morgan and Bencie Woll and Jamie Abbott and Neil Smith},
doi = {10.1017/CBO9780511486777.020},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-10-24},
urldate = {2002-10-24},
pages = {422-441},
publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
abstract = {This chapter reports on the findings of an experiment into the learning of British Sign Language (BSL) by Christopher, a linguistic savant, and a control group of talented second language learners. The results from tests of comprehension and production of morphology and syntax, together with observations of his conversational abilities and judgments of grammaticality, indicate that despite his dyspraxia and visuo-spatial impairments, Christopher approaches the task of learning BSL in a way largely comparable to that in which he has learned spoken languages. However, his learning of BSL is not uniformly successful. Although Christopher approaches BSL as linguistic input, rather than purely visuo-spatial information, he fails to learn completely those parts of BSL for which an intact nonlinguistic visuo-spatial domain is required (e.g. the BSL classifier system). The unevenness of his learning supports the view that only some parts of language are modality-free.
Accordingly, this case illuminates crossmodality issues, in particular, the relationship of sign language structures and visuo-spatial skills. By exploring features of Christopher's signing and comparing it to normal sign learners, new insights can be gained into linguistic structures on the one hand and the cognitive prerequisites for the processing of signed language on the other.
In earlier work (see Smith and Tsimpli 1995 and references therein; also Tsimpli and Smith 1995; 1998; Smith 1996; Smith and Tsimpli 1996; 1997; Morgan, Smith, Tsimpli, and Woll 2002), we have documented the unique language learning abilities of a polyglot savant, Christopher (date of birth: January, 6 1962).},
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This chapter reports on the findings of an experiment into the learning of British Sign Language (BSL) by Christopher, a linguistic savant, and a control group of talented second language learners. The results from tests of comprehension and production of morphology and syntax, together with observations of his conversational abilities and judgments of grammaticality, indicate that despite his dyspraxia and visuo-spatial impairments, Christopher approaches the task of learning BSL in a way largely comparable to that in which he has learned spoken languages. However, his learning of BSL is not uniformly successful. Although Christopher approaches BSL as linguistic input, rather than purely visuo-spatial information, he fails to learn completely those parts of BSL for which an intact nonlinguistic visuo-spatial domain is required (e.g. the BSL classifier system). The unevenness of his learning supports the view that only some parts of language are modality-free.
Accordingly, this case illuminates crossmodality issues, in particular, the relationship of sign language structures and visuo-spatial skills. By exploring features of Christopher's signing and comparing it to normal sign learners, new insights can be gained into linguistic structures on the one hand and the cognitive prerequisites for the processing of signed language on the other.
In earlier work (see Smith and Tsimpli 1995 and references therein; also Tsimpli and Smith 1995; 1998; Smith 1996; Smith and Tsimpli 1996; 1997; Morgan, Smith, Tsimpli, and Woll 2002), we have documented the unique language learning abilities of a polyglot savant, Christopher (date of birth: January, 6 1962).
Accordingly, this case illuminates crossmodality issues, in particular, the relationship of sign language structures and visuo-spatial skills. By exploring features of Christopher's signing and comparing it to normal sign learners, new insights can be gained into linguistic structures on the one hand and the cognitive prerequisites for the processing of signed language on the other.
In earlier work (see Smith and Tsimpli 1995 and references therein; also Tsimpli and Smith 1995; 1998; Smith 1996; Smith and Tsimpli 1996; 1997; Morgan, Smith, Tsimpli, and Woll 2002), we have documented the unique language learning abilities of a polyglot savant, Christopher (date of birth: January, 6 1962).
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Morgan, Gary; Smith, Neil; Woll, Bencie
Language against the odds: The learning of British Sign Language by a polyglot savant Journal Article
In: Journal of Linguistics, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 1 - 41, 2002.
@article{Tsimpli2002b,
title = {Language against the odds: The learning of British Sign Language by a polyglot savant},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Gary Morgan and Neil Smith and Bencie Woll},
doi = {10.1017/S0022226701001220},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-03-01},
urldate = {2002-03-01},
journal = {Journal of Linguistics},
volume = {38},
number = {1},
pages = {1 - 41},
abstract = {In this paper we report on our attempt to teach the polyglot savant Christopher (‘C’ hereinafter) British Sign Language (BSL). BSL presents C with a novel challenge in the use of hand-eye coordination, while at the same time offering him the linguistic ingredients he is obsessed with. Despite his deficits in key areas of intellectual ability, communication skills and visuo-spatial cognition, C has developed a working knowledge of BSL through processes of circumvention, adaptation and invention. As a form of control, we taught BSL to a comparator group of talented second-language learners. We do not discuss this comparison in depth here (see Morgan et al. in preparation) but refer to some of the test scores as a guide to how normal a sign learner C is. Results from formal tests of C's linguistic knowledge, and observational study of his developing communicative ability in BSL, are analysed and described. These results illuminate the structure and use of BSL, highlighting the important role of visuo-spatial cognition in its acquisition and manipulation. Our findings support the assumption that the organisation of knowledge of language is largely modality independent, whereas the exploitation of specific grammatical devices is language and modality dependent. C has attained a certain level of linguistic competence in BSL, and his performance in the language is largely in conformity with his previously established mixed profile of abilities and disabilities.},
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In this paper we report on our attempt to teach the polyglot savant Christopher (‘C’ hereinafter) British Sign Language (BSL). BSL presents C with a novel challenge in the use of hand-eye coordination, while at the same time offering him the linguistic ingredients he is obsessed with. Despite his deficits in key areas of intellectual ability, communication skills and visuo-spatial cognition, C has developed a working knowledge of BSL through processes of circumvention, adaptation and invention. As a form of control, we taught BSL to a comparator group of talented second-language learners. We do not discuss this comparison in depth here (see Morgan et al. in preparation) but refer to some of the test scores as a guide to how normal a sign learner C is. Results from formal tests of C's linguistic knowledge, and observational study of his developing communicative ability in BSL, are analysed and described. These results illuminate the structure and use of BSL, highlighting the important role of visuo-spatial cognition in its acquisition and manipulation. Our findings support the assumption that the organisation of knowledge of language is largely modality independent, whereas the exploitation of specific grammatical devices is language and modality dependent. C has attained a certain level of linguistic competence in BSL, and his performance in the language is largely in conformity with his previously established mixed profile of abilities and disabilities.
2001
Tsimpli, Ianthi
LF-Interpretability and Language Development: A Study of Verbal and Nominal Features in Greek Normally Developing and SLI Children Journal Article
In: Brain and Language, vol. 77, no. 3, pp. 432-448 , 2001.
@article{Tsimpli2001,
title = {LF-Interpretability and Language Development: A Study of Verbal and Nominal Features in Greek Normally Developing and SLI Children},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1006/brln.2000.2413},
year = {2001},
date = {2001-06-01},
urldate = {2001-06-01},
journal = {Brain and Language},
volume = {77},
number = {3},
pages = {432-448 },
abstract = {This paper includes (i) a comparison of the developmental pattern of certain morphosyntactic features in normally developing (ND) Greek children with similar data from a group of children with specific language impairment and (ii) a new analysis of the differences found. The analysis is based on a minimalist notion of LF interpretability. Depending on the feature-specification of lexical items (i.e., [+/- interpretable] at LF), a different route of development follows. In addition, phonological salience of both interpretable and noninterpretable features is argued to play an important role in an account of crosslinguistic differences in both normal and exceptional development.},
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This paper includes (i) a comparison of the developmental pattern of certain morphosyntactic features in normally developing (ND) Greek children with similar data from a group of children with specific language impairment and (ii) a new analysis of the differences found. The analysis is based on a minimalist notion of LF interpretability. Depending on the feature-specification of lexical items (i.e., [+/- interpretable] at LF), a different route of development follows. In addition, phonological salience of both interpretable and noninterpretable features is argued to play an important role in an account of crosslinguistic differences in both normal and exceptional development.
2000
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Gerunds in Modern Greek Journal Article
In: Journal of Greek Linguistics, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 133-169 , 2000.
@article{Tsimpli2000,
title = {Gerunds in Modern Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1075/jgl.1.07tsi},
year = {2000},
date = {2000-03-01},
urldate = {2000-03-01},
journal = {Journal of Greek Linguistics},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {133-169 },
abstract = {This paper discusses the properties of Greek V-ondas forms, referred to as gerunds in Holton et al. (1997). It is argued that the clauses in which they occur are adjuncts with a reduced functional structure. Their temporal interpretation will be shown to illustrate the underspecified status of the features of the V-ondas complex as well as the truncated structure of the clause in which it occurs. The position and interpretation of subjects of gerunds will be argued to follow from (a) the inflectional underspecification of gerunds and (b) the pragmatic nature of control.},
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This paper discusses the properties of Greek V-ondas forms, referred to as gerunds in Holton et al. (1997). It is argued that the clauses in which they occur are adjuncts with a reduced functional structure. Their temporal interpretation will be shown to illustrate the underspecified status of the features of the V-ondas complex as well as the truncated structure of the clause in which it occurs. The position and interpretation of subjects of gerunds will be argued to follow from (a) the inflectional underspecification of gerunds and (b) the pragmatic nature of control.
1999
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Stavrakaki, Stavroula
The effects of a morphosyntactic deficit in the determiner system: The case of a Greek SLI child Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 108, no. 1, pp. 31-85, 1999.
@article{Tsimpli1999,
title = {The effects of a morphosyntactic deficit in the determiner system: The case of a Greek SLI child},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Stavroula Stavrakaki},
doi = {10.1016/S0024-3841(98)00041-2},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-05-01},
urldate = {1999-05-01},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {108},
number = {1},
pages = {31-85},
abstract = {This paper presents a case-study of Greek SLI and has the following aims: 1.(i) to present and analyse SLI data concentrating on the use of D-elements in the child's grammatical system: the definite article, object clitics and the wh-phrase what;2.(ii) to show that there is a clear correlation in the errors involving the morphemes in question and that this is due to a deficit in the determiner system which, in adult form, represents the above morphemes in terms of the same functional category D;3.(iii) to provide further evidence for the delay in L1 development of object clitics (or agreement) relative to subject agreement (or clitics) showing that a similar pattern is attested in the case of this SLI child. Finally, the analysis presented appears to favour an account of SLI whereby the deficit evidenced by the use of grammatical categories is indeed a grammatical, rather than a processing, deficit and is restricted to the domain of functional categories. The differential success in this child's use of some functional categories (e.g. subject agreement vs. the determiner system) points to the suggestion that SLI involves aspects of the normal route of L1A but also severe delays compared to normal L1A. The question whether the attested delay indicates a selective deficit in the processing strategies and learning mechanisms implemented in SLI cases cannot be unreservedly concluded on the basis of the data from this study only.},
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This paper presents a case-study of Greek SLI and has the following aims: 1.(i) to present and analyse SLI data concentrating on the use of D-elements in the child's grammatical system: the definite article, object clitics and the wh-phrase what;2.(ii) to show that there is a clear correlation in the errors involving the morphemes in question and that this is due to a deficit in the determiner system which, in adult form, represents the above morphemes in terms of the same functional category D;3.(iii) to provide further evidence for the delay in L1 development of object clitics (or agreement) relative to subject agreement (or clitics) showing that a similar pattern is attested in the case of this SLI child. Finally, the analysis presented appears to favour an account of SLI whereby the deficit evidenced by the use of grammatical categories is indeed a grammatical, rather than a processing, deficit and is restricted to the domain of functional categories. The differential success in this child's use of some functional categories (e.g. subject agreement vs. the determiner system) points to the suggestion that SLI involves aspects of the normal route of L1A but also severe delays compared to normal L1A. The question whether the attested delay indicates a selective deficit in the processing strategies and learning mechanisms implemented in SLI cases cannot be unreservedly concluded on the basis of the data from this study only.
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Null Operators, Clitics and Identification: A Comparison between Greek and English Book Chapter
In: pp. 241-262, Springer, Dordrecht, 1999.
@inbook{Tsimpli1999b,
title = {Null Operators, Clitics and Identification: A Comparison between Greek and English},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1007/978-94-015-9177-5_13},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
urldate = {1999-01-01},
pages = {241-262},
publisher = {Springer, Dordrecht},
abstract = {The aim of this article is to discuss the properties of English and Greek constructions involving null and overt operators. Assuming that operator-variable structures are LF objects, differences in the overt/null realisation of the operator and/or the element in the position of the variable between the two languages will be argued to stem from independent differences in the properties of the Case and the Agreement systems. The underlying motivation for this correlation between Case and Agreement, on one hand, and the properties of A’-chains, on the other, is claimed to be the identification requirement on A’-bound empty categories.
},
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The aim of this article is to discuss the properties of English and Greek constructions involving null and overt operators. Assuming that operator-variable structures are LF objects, differences in the overt/null realisation of the operator and/or the element in the position of the variable between the two languages will be argued to stem from independent differences in the properties of the Case and the Agreement systems. The underlying motivation for this correlation between Case and Agreement, on one hand, and the properties of A’-chains, on the other, is claimed to be the identification requirement on A’-bound empty categories.
1998
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Smith, Neil
Modules and Quasi-Modules: Language and Theory of Mind in a Polyglot Savant Journal Article
In: Learning and Individual Differences, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 193-215, 1998.
@article{Tsimpli1998,
title = {Modules and Quasi-Modules: Language and Theory of Mind in a Polyglot Savant},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Neil Smith},
doi = {10.1016/S1041-6080(99)80130-7},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-12-31},
urldate = {1998-12-31},
journal = {Learning and Individual Differences},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {193-215},
abstract = {This report provides further evidence from the polyglot savant, Christopher, for the nature of Theory of Mind. In particular, we exploit a distinction between modules as classically defined (Fodor, 1983), and “quasi-modules.” While the latter have the domain-specificity of modules, they are not informationally encapsulated and they exploit a nonperceptual vocabulary. We report the results of Christopher's performance on a variety of false-belief tasks, showing that differences inherent in the various tasks allow for an explanation of his apparently inconsistent behavior, which in turn provides evidence for the “quasi-modularity” of his Theory of Mind.},
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This report provides further evidence from the polyglot savant, Christopher, for the nature of Theory of Mind. In particular, we exploit a distinction between modules as classically defined (Fodor, 1983), and “quasi-modules.” While the latter have the domain-specificity of modules, they are not informationally encapsulated and they exploit a nonperceptual vocabulary. We report the results of Christopher's performance on a variety of false-belief tasks, showing that differences inherent in the various tasks allow for an explanation of his apparently inconsistent behavior, which in turn provides evidence for the “quasi-modularity” of his Theory of Mind.
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Individual and Functional Readings for Focus, Wh- and Negative Operators evidence from greek Book Chapter
In: pp. 197-228, John Benjamins BV, 1998.
@inbook{Tsimpli1998b,
title = {Individual and Functional Readings for Focus, Wh- and Negative Operators evidence from greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
doi = {10.1075/cilt.159.13tsi},
year = {1998},
date = {1998-01-01},
urldate = {1998-01-01},
pages = {197-228},
publisher = {John Benjamins BV},
abstract = {1. Introduction In Greek, a wh-XP, a focus XP (f-XP) and a negative polarity item (N PI) car be overtly raised to clause initial position. This is shown in the following examples:(1) a. pjon ioe o Stefanos? whom saw-3s the-nom Stefanos ‘Whom did Stefanos see?’b. TON STEFANO ioe iMaria the-ace Stefano saw-3s the-nom Maria ‘It was Stefano that Maria saw.’c. KANENA den ioe o Petros. nobody not saw-3s the-nom Petros ‘Petros didn’t see anyone.’(la) is an example of wh-movement found in a large number of languages and traditionally analysed as involving an A'-Chain with the wh-constituent in SpecCP binding a variable in the base position (Browning 1987, Chomsky 1986).(lb) is an example of focus-movement found in languages such as Ko-rean (Choe 1987), Hungarian (Brody 1990, Horvath 1986, Kiss 1995a, 1995b) and Greek (Agouraki 1990, Tsimpli 1990, 1995) and analysed as being also an instance of Operator-movement to the specifier position of a Focus Phrase (FP).(1c) is an instance of focus-movement of the NPI to the SpecFP position too (Tsimpli & Roussou 1996). The NPI is assumed to be a negative operator by virtue of its semantic properties as well as the operator position which it. Some of this material has been presented in the Goettingen Workshop on Focus, in March 1995 and the 6th Colloquium on Generative Grammar 1996, in Valencia. I am gratefiil to the audiences there and in particular to Misi Brody, Katalin Kiss, Jamal Ouhalla and Maria-Luisa Zubizarretta for their helpful comments and suggestions. All errors and inadequacies remain my own.
},
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1. Introduction In Greek, a wh-XP, a focus XP (f-XP) and a negative polarity item (N PI) car be overtly raised to clause initial position. This is shown in the following examples:(1) a. pjon ioe o Stefanos? whom saw-3s the-nom Stefanos ‘Whom did Stefanos see?’b. TON STEFANO ioe iMaria the-ace Stefano saw-3s the-nom Maria ‘It was Stefano that Maria saw.’c. KANENA den ioe o Petros. nobody not saw-3s the-nom Petros ‘Petros didn’t see anyone.’(la) is an example of wh-movement found in a large number of languages and traditionally analysed as involving an A'-Chain with the wh-constituent in SpecCP binding a variable in the base position (Browning 1987, Chomsky 1986).(lb) is an example of focus-movement found in languages such as Ko-rean (Choe 1987), Hungarian (Brody 1990, Horvath 1986, Kiss 1995a, 1995b) and Greek (Agouraki 1990, Tsimpli 1990, 1995) and analysed as being also an instance of Operator-movement to the specifier position of a Focus Phrase (FP).(1c) is an instance of focus-movement of the NPI to the SpecFP position too (Tsimpli & Roussou 1996). The NPI is assumed to be a negative operator by virtue of its semantic properties as well as the operator position which it. Some of this material has been presented in the Goettingen Workshop on Focus, in March 1995 and the 6th Colloquium on Generative Grammar 1996, in Valencia. I am gratefiil to the audiences there and in particular to Misi Brody, Katalin Kiss, Jamal Ouhalla and Maria-Luisa Zubizarretta for their helpful comments and suggestions. All errors and inadequacies remain my own.
1997
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Smith, Neil
Reply to Bates Journal Article
In: International Journal of Bilingualism, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 180-186, 1997.
@article{Tsimpli1997,
title = {Reply to Bates},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Neil Smith},
doi = {10.1177/136700699700100205},
year = {1997},
date = {1997-09-01},
urldate = {1997-09-01},
journal = {International Journal of Bilingualism},
volume = {1},
number = {2},
pages = {180-186},
abstract = {We appreciate Elizabeth Bates ' (B hereinafter) lengthy and critical review of our book, and we are grateful for this opportunity to reply. Our response will be in part concessionary and in part clarificatory, but there will remain a substantial area of disagreement, where we think that the evidence supports our original position on the status of linguistic knowledge and its implications. We are happy to agree that Christopher is not as cognitively disadvantaged as some of the savants discussed in the literature, and that his non-linguistic abilities make him in certain respects "equivalent to a normal child between 5-10 years of age " (p.4). B uses this observation to argue against our claim that C's case constituted a refutation of the idea that there are 'cognitive prerequisites ' to first language acquisition, suggesting that "the amount and type of cognition required to learn a grammar cannot be more than... 1.5 [to] 3 years of age " (ibid). Further, B argues that the dissociation Christopher manifests between language and visuo-spatial cognition has no implications for innateness or modularity, but may lend support to a modularisation hypothesis (a la Karmiloff-Smith, 1992). This latter possibility in particular is claimed to be more compatible with what is known about brain plasticity than an approach based on modularity of the kind made famous by Fodor (1983). We wish to make several points. First, C's performance is somewhat more skewed than B suggests:},
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We appreciate Elizabeth Bates ' (B hereinafter) lengthy and critical review of our book, and we are grateful for this opportunity to reply. Our response will be in part concessionary and in part clarificatory, but there will remain a substantial area of disagreement, where we think that the evidence supports our original position on the status of linguistic knowledge and its implications. We are happy to agree that Christopher is not as cognitively disadvantaged as some of the savants discussed in the literature, and that his non-linguistic abilities make him in certain respects "equivalent to a normal child between 5-10 years of age " (p.4). B uses this observation to argue against our claim that C's case constituted a refutation of the idea that there are 'cognitive prerequisites ' to first language acquisition, suggesting that "the amount and type of cognition required to learn a grammar cannot be more than... 1.5 [to] 3 years of age " (ibid). Further, B argues that the dissociation Christopher manifests between language and visuo-spatial cognition has no implications for innateness or modularity, but may lend support to a modularisation hypothesis (a la Karmiloff-Smith, 1992). This latter possibility in particular is claimed to be more compatible with what is known about brain plasticity than an approach based on modularity of the kind made famous by Fodor (1983). We wish to make several points. First, C's performance is somewhat more skewed than B suggests:
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Resumptive Strategies and L2A: A Minimalist Account Journal Article
In: Selected papers on theoretical and applied linguistics, vol. 21, no. 228-238, 1997.
@article{Tsimpli1997b,
title = {Resumptive Strategies and L2A: A Minimalist Account},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
year = {1997},
date = {1997-05-13},
urldate = {1997-05-13},
journal = {Selected papers on theoretical and applied linguistics},
volume = {21},
number = {228-238},
abstract = {Alexiadou, A. & E. Anagnostopoulou (1996). SVO and EPP in Null Subject Languages and Germanic. MS, FAS Berlin and University of Tilburg / UCLA … Chomsky, N. (1995) The Minimalist Program. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA … Lakshmanan, U. & L. Selinker (1994) The status of CP and the tensed complementiser that in the developing L2 grammars of English. Second Language Research 10. 24-48 … Liceras, J. (1989) On some properties of the pro-drop parameter: looking for missing subjects in non-native Spanish. In Gass, S. & J. Schachter (eds) Linguistic Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: CUP … Ouhalla, J. (1991) Functional Categories and Parametric Variation. London: Routledge … Philippaki-Warburton, I. (1985) Word order in Modern Greek. Transactions of the Philological Society 2 … Rizzi, L. (1982) Issues in Italian Syntax. Dordrecht: Foris … Rizzi, L.},
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Alexiadou, A. & E. Anagnostopoulou (1996). SVO and EPP in Null Subject Languages and Germanic. MS, FAS Berlin and University of Tilburg / UCLA … Chomsky, N. (1995) The Minimalist Program. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA … Lakshmanan, U. & L. Selinker (1994) The status of CP and the tensed complementiser that in the developing L2 grammars of English. Second Language Research 10. 24-48 … Liceras, J. (1989) On some properties of the pro-drop parameter: looking for missing subjects in non-native Spanish. In Gass, S. & J. Schachter (eds) Linguistic Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: CUP … Ouhalla, J. (1991) Functional Categories and Parametric Variation. London: Routledge … Philippaki-Warburton, I. (1985) Word order in Modern Greek. Transactions of the Philological Society 2 … Rizzi, L. (1982) Issues in Italian Syntax. Dordrecht: Foris … Rizzi, L.
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Resumptive features and minimalism: Evidence from second language acquisition Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the 21st Annual Boston University Conference on Language Development, vol. 21, pp. 639-655, 1997.
@article{Tsimpli1997c,
title = {Resumptive features and minimalism: Evidence from second language acquisition},
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date = {1997-01-01},
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1996
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Roussou, Anna
Negation and polarity items in Modern Greek Journal Article
In: The Linguistic Review, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 49-81, 1996.
@article{Tsimpli1996,
title = {Negation and polarity items in Modern Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Anna Roussou},
doi = {10.1515/tlir.1996.13.1.49},
year = {1996},
date = {1996-01-01},
urldate = {1996-01-01},
journal = {The Linguistic Review},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {49-81},
abstract = {Cet article traite des proprietes syntaxiques et semantiques des items de polarite en grec moderne afin de presenter les conditions d'autorisation dans leur distribution, et leurs possibilites d'interpretation dans differents contextes syntaxiques. Les As. montrent que les items de polarite sont des elements quantificationnels dont la lecture universelle ou existentielle depend de la tete fonctionnelle qui les autorise et de leur specification de traitement concernant le focus syntaxique. Ils considerent qu'en cas de polarite negative, les items negatifs et les traits de focus sont fortement impliques, tandis que les items de polarite existentiels sont autorises par des operateurs phrastiques.},
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Cet article traite des proprietes syntaxiques et semantiques des items de polarite en grec moderne afin de presenter les conditions d'autorisation dans leur distribution, et leurs possibilites d'interpretation dans differents contextes syntaxiques. Les As. montrent que les items de polarite sont des elements quantificationnels dont la lecture universelle ou existentielle depend de la tete fonctionnelle qui les autorise et de leur specification de traitement concernant le focus syntaxique. Ils considerent qu'en cas de polarite negative, les items negatifs et les traits de focus sont fortement impliques, tandis que les items de polarite existentiels sont autorises par des operateurs phrastiques.
1995
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Focusing in Modern Greek Journal Article
In: Discourse configurational languages, vol. 176, pp. 206, 1995.
@article{nokey,
title = {Focusing in Modern Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
year = {1995},
date = {1995-01-05},
urldate = {1995-01-05},
journal = {Discourse configurational languages},
volume = {176},
pages = {206},
abstract = {This paper discusses the phenomenon of focusing in Modern Greek (MG). It has two major aims. The first aim is to distinguish the process of focusing from the processes of topicalization and wh-movement which are also attested in the lan-guage. The second aim is to develop a theory of focusing which accounts for the distribution of focus phrases both in the syntax and at LF. Section 2 discusses some word order properties relating to the subject and the objects of the verb, with the aim of introducing the constructions investigated in the subsequent sections.},
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This paper discusses the phenomenon of focusing in Modern Greek (MG). It has two major aims. The first aim is to distinguish the process of focusing from the processes of topicalization and wh-movement which are also attested in the lan-guage. The second aim is to develop a theory of focusing which accounts for the distribution of focus phrases both in the syntax and at LF. Section 2 discusses some word order properties relating to the subject and the objects of the verb, with the aim of introducing the constructions investigated in the subsequent sections.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Smit, Neilson Voyne
The Mind of a Savant Journal Article
In: 1995, ISBN: 978-0-631-19017-2.
@article{nokey,
title = {The Mind of a Savant},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Neilson Voyne Smit},
isbn = {978-0-631-19017-2},
year = {1995},
date = {1995-01-01},
urldate = {1995-01-01},
abstract = {Savants are people who are mentally and often physically impaired but who have one dazzling talent. Cases of savants, like Christopher who is described here, are not unheard of, but have never been reported before. Despite being unable to look after himself because he has difficulty with everyday tasks, Christopher can read, write, translate and communicate in fifteen to twenty different languages.
In this original, detailed and wide-ranging study, Neil Smith and Ianthi-Maria Tsimpli not only provide insight into the mind of one unique individual, but simultaneously cast light on the nature of language and thought in general. By exploiting recent developments in both linguistics and psychology the authors have made an essential contribution to the whole field of cognitive science.},
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Savants are people who are mentally and often physically impaired but who have one dazzling talent. Cases of savants, like Christopher who is described here, are not unheard of, but have never been reported before. Despite being unable to look after himself because he has difficulty with everyday tasks, Christopher can read, write, translate and communicate in fifteen to twenty different languages.
In this original, detailed and wide-ranging study, Neil Smith and Ianthi-Maria Tsimpli not only provide insight into the mind of one unique individual, but simultaneously cast light on the nature of language and thought in general. By exploiting recent developments in both linguistics and psychology the authors have made an essential contribution to the whole field of cognitive science.
In this original, detailed and wide-ranging study, Neil Smith and Ianthi-Maria Tsimpli not only provide insight into the mind of one unique individual, but simultaneously cast light on the nature of language and thought in general. By exploiting recent developments in both linguistics and psychology the authors have made an essential contribution to the whole field of cognitive science.
1994
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Roussou, Anna
On the interaction of case and definiteness in modern Greek Book Chapter
In: pp. 69-69, John Benjamins BV, 1994.
@inbook{Tsimpli1994c,
title = {On the interaction of case and definiteness in modern Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Anna Roussou},
doi = {10.1075/cilt.117.11rou},
year = {1994},
date = {1994-11-17},
urldate = {1994-11-17},
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abstract = {The purpose of the paper is to discuss the morphosyntactic properties of determiners in Modern Greek (MG) with regard to their interaction with the Case system. We will first discuss (in) definite objects concentrating on differences between the interpretation of bare (plural) indefinites and quantified indefinites. Then we will present an account of (in) definites in subject position. We will show that in MG the definite article may be used as an expletive element. In that respect it will be argued that there is no one-to-one mapping between the overt realisation of the definite article and the semantic notion of definiteness.},
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The purpose of the paper is to discuss the morphosyntactic properties of determiners in Modern Greek (MG) with regard to their interaction with the Case system. We will first discuss (in) definite objects concentrating on differences between the interpretation of bare (plural) indefinites and quantified indefinites. Then we will present an account of (in) definites in subject position. We will show that in MG the definite article may be used as an expletive element. In that respect it will be argued that there is no one-to-one mapping between the overt realisation of the definite article and the semantic notion of definiteness.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; O'Connor, Neil; Smith, Neil; Frith, Chris
Neuropsychology and linguistic talent Journal Article
In: Journal of Neurolinguistics, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 95-107, 1994.
@article{Tsimpli1994,
title = {Neuropsychology and linguistic talent},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Neil O'Connor and Neil Smith and Chris Frith},
doi = {10.1016/0911-6044(94)90019-1},
year = {1994},
date = {1994-04-01},
urldate = {1994-04-01},
journal = {Journal of Neurolinguistics},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {95-107},
abstract = {We report on the unique case of a polyglot savant who is institutionalised because he is unable to look after himself, but who has knowledge of some fifteen to twenty languages. We provide details of his medical and psychometric background and then document his linguistic ability in detail. We argue that the case provides evidence for Fodor's modularity hypothesis (though with some quasimodular structure needing to be attributed to the central system) and for the linguistic distinction between a functional and a conceptual lexicon. We also report on the results of an MRI scan carried out on the subject. While these may reveal some abnormalities of the cerebellum, there is no differential cortical development which could underlie his linguistic ability. We conclude that, while pathological studies are making our understanding of the links between the neural and the linguistic ever clearer, we are still largely ignorant of the nature of those links in cases of normal or enhanced ability.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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We report on the unique case of a polyglot savant who is institutionalised because he is unable to look after himself, but who has knowledge of some fifteen to twenty languages. We provide details of his medical and psychometric background and then document his linguistic ability in detail. We argue that the case provides evidence for Fodor's modularity hypothesis (though with some quasimodular structure needing to be attributed to the central system) and for the linguistic distinction between a functional and a conceptual lexicon. We also report on the results of an MRI scan carried out on the subject. While these may reveal some abnormalities of the cerebellum, there is no differential cortical development which could underlie his linguistic ability. We conclude that, while pathological studies are making our understanding of the links between the neural and the linguistic ever clearer, we are still largely ignorant of the nature of those links in cases of normal or enhanced ability.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; O'Connor, Neil; Smith, Neil; Frith, Chris
Neuropsychology and linguistic talent Journal Article
In: Journal of Neurolinguistics, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 95-107 , 1994.
@article{Tsimpli1994b,
title = {Neuropsychology and linguistic talent},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Neil O'Connor and Neil Smith and Chris Frith},
doi = {10.1016/0911-6044(94)90019-1},
year = {1994},
date = {1994-04-01},
urldate = {1994-04-01},
journal = {Journal of Neurolinguistics},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {95-107 },
abstract = {We report on the unique case of a polyglot savant who is institutionalised because he is unable to look after himself, but who has knowledge of some fifteen to twenty languages. We provide details of his medical and psychometric background and then document his linguistic ability in detail. We argue that the case provides evidence for Fodor's modularity hypothesis (though with some quasimodular structure needing to be attributed to the central system) and for the linguistic distinction between a functional and a conceptual lexicon. We also report on the results of an MRI scan carried out on the subject. While these may reveal some abnormalities of the cerebellum, there is no differential cortical development which could underlie his linguistic ability. We conclude that, while pathological studies are making our understanding of the links between the neural and the linguistic ever clearer, we are still largely ignorant of the nature of those links in cases of normal or enhanced ability.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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We report on the unique case of a polyglot savant who is institutionalised because he is unable to look after himself, but who has knowledge of some fifteen to twenty languages. We provide details of his medical and psychometric background and then document his linguistic ability in detail. We argue that the case provides evidence for Fodor's modularity hypothesis (though with some quasimodular structure needing to be attributed to the central system) and for the linguistic distinction between a functional and a conceptual lexicon. We also report on the results of an MRI scan carried out on the subject. While these may reveal some abnormalities of the cerebellum, there is no differential cortical development which could underlie his linguistic ability. We conclude that, while pathological studies are making our understanding of the links between the neural and the linguistic ever clearer, we are still largely ignorant of the nature of those links in cases of normal or enhanced ability.
1993
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Smith, Neil V; Ouhalla, Jamal
Learning the impossible: The acquisition of possible and impossible languages by a polyglot savant Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 91, no. 4, pp. 279-347, 1993.
@article{Tsimpli1993,
title = {Learning the impossible: The acquisition of possible and impossible languages by a polyglot savant},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Neil V Smith and Jamal Ouhalla},
doi = {10.1016/0024-3841(93)90002-E Authors:},
year = {1993},
date = {1993-12-01},
urldate = {1993-12-01},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {91},
number = {4},
pages = {279-347},
abstract = {We report on the case of a polyglot savant (Christopher) who has a remarkable talent for learning and translating languages. Building on previous work which had established both the range of languages at Christopher's command and the extent to which his linguistic knowledge was integrated into his cognitive ability, we taught him two new languages for which we controlled the input. We had two main aims: the first was to test the hypothesis (within one version of the Principles and Parameters framework) that parameter resetting is not an option available to the second language learner; the second was to accrue further evidence for or against Fodor's modularity hypothesis and cast light on the possible range of interactions between linguistic and ‘central’ cognitive processes. The languages chosen were Berber, an Afro-Asiatic language spoken in North Africa, and Epun, an invented language deliberately devised to contain constructions which violated universal grammatical principles. In Christopher's acquisition of Berber we gleaned evidence from a variety of phenomena, including word order, null subjects, that-trace effects, wh-island violations and cliticisation, that his learning was conditioned by a combination of transfer effects from English and principles of UG, rather than by the effect of parameter resetting. In Christopher's acquisition of Epun we began with a core of ‘normal’ constructions, designed to make him feel at home in the new language, and then proceeded to investigate a range of impossible constructions, both structure-dependent and structure-independent. In the former case, we concentrated on negative sentences, constructed with no overt negative morpheme, and past-tense sentences which involve unattested and putatively impossible word-order differences. In the latter case, we concentrated on a rule of emphasis that involved counting words, and a form of agreement which again violated putatively universal generalisations. In each case we compared Christopher's performance with that of a small group of controls. The results were complex, but we think we can justify an interpretation which lends support to both the main hypotheses being tested.},
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We report on the case of a polyglot savant (Christopher) who has a remarkable talent for learning and translating languages. Building on previous work which had established both the range of languages at Christopher's command and the extent to which his linguistic knowledge was integrated into his cognitive ability, we taught him two new languages for which we controlled the input. We had two main aims: the first was to test the hypothesis (within one version of the Principles and Parameters framework) that parameter resetting is not an option available to the second language learner; the second was to accrue further evidence for or against Fodor's modularity hypothesis and cast light on the possible range of interactions between linguistic and ‘central’ cognitive processes. The languages chosen were Berber, an Afro-Asiatic language spoken in North Africa, and Epun, an invented language deliberately devised to contain constructions which violated universal grammatical principles. In Christopher's acquisition of Berber we gleaned evidence from a variety of phenomena, including word order, null subjects, that-trace effects, wh-island violations and cliticisation, that his learning was conditioned by a combination of transfer effects from English and principles of UG, rather than by the effect of parameter resetting. In Christopher's acquisition of Epun we began with a core of ‘normal’ constructions, designed to make him feel at home in the new language, and then proceeded to investigate a range of impossible constructions, both structure-dependent and structure-independent. In the former case, we concentrated on negative sentences, constructed with no overt negative morpheme, and past-tense sentences which involve unattested and putatively impossible word-order differences. In the latter case, we concentrated on a rule of emphasis that involved counting words, and a form of agreement which again violated putatively universal generalisations. In each case we compared Christopher's performance with that of a small group of controls. The results were complex, but we think we can justify an interpretation which lends support to both the main hypotheses being tested.
1992
Tsimpli, Ianthi
Functional categories and maturation : the prefunctional stage of language acquisition Journal Article
In: PQDT-Global, 1992.
@article{nokey,
title = {Functional categories and maturation : the prefunctional stage of language acquisition},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
year = {1992},
date = {1992-01-01},
urldate = {1992-01-01},
journal = {PQDT-Global},
abstract = {The aim of this thesis is to provide a theory of language acquisition within the Principles and Parameters framework of Generative Grammar. In Chapter 1, I outline the syntactic theory I adopt which assumes that functional categories determine crosslinguistic variation in terms of parameterisation. In the model of the grammar presented, the set of functional categories is argued to constitute an independent module in the Language Faculty, the Functional Module. This is also referred to as the UG lexicon on the ground that it consists of categories that belong to the grammar proper. Substantive categories are assumed to be included in the Mental lexicon which is part of an independent module of the mind/brain. One of the underlying criteria which determine the difference between functional and substantive categories is the relation of each of these sets with conceptual entries in the mental lexicon.},
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The aim of this thesis is to provide a theory of language acquisition within the Principles and Parameters framework of Generative Grammar. In Chapter 1, I outline the syntactic theory I adopt which assumes that functional categories determine crosslinguistic variation in terms of parameterisation. In the model of the grammar presented, the set of functional categories is argued to constitute an independent module in the Language Faculty, the Functional Module. This is also referred to as the UG lexicon on the ground that it consists of categories that belong to the grammar proper. Substantive categories are assumed to be included in the Mental lexicon which is part of an independent module of the mind/brain. One of the underlying criteria which determine the difference between functional and substantive categories is the relation of each of these sets with conceptual entries in the mental lexicon.
1991
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Smith, Neil
Linguistic modularity? A case study of a ‘Savant’ linguist Journal Article
In: Lingua, vol. 84, no. 4, pp. 315-351, 1991.
@article{Tsimpli1991,
title = {Linguistic modularity? A case study of a ‘Savant’ linguist},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Neil Smith},
doi = {10.1016/0024-3841(91)90034-3},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-08-01},
urldate = {1991-08-01},
journal = {Lingua},
volume = {84},
number = {4},
pages = {315-351},
abstract = {We provide a preliminary report on a young man who is institutionalised because he is unable to look after himself, but who has a remarkable talent for acquiring and using foreign languages. After documenting the breadth of his expertise across some sixteen languages, we investigate his command of his native language, English, and the extent to which his linguistic competence is integrated into his general cognitive ability, and we briefly discuss the implications of these results for Fodor's modularity hypothesis. The results of the experiments devised to test these aspects of his linguistic and inferential abilities then provide the basis for a more detailed analysis of his command of one specific language, Modern Greek. We concentrate on properties associated with the pro-drop parameter, in particular that-t effects and the possibility of post-verbal subjects, contrasting his performance in Greek, a pro-drop language, with English, a non-pro-drop language. The pattern of results obtained indicate that he is not acquiring a ‘first’ language several times over, but it remains for future investigation to determine how characteristic of normal second-language learners his acquisition is. We also tentatively interpret his performance in Greek as evidence in favour of the claim that the phenomena associated with the pro-drop parameter do constitute a natural class, and specifically provide support for Rizzi's revision of the parameter in terms of relativised minimality. We emphasize that these results are preliminary and hope to refine and extend our analyses in subsequent contributions.},
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pubstate = {published},
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}
We provide a preliminary report on a young man who is institutionalised because he is unable to look after himself, but who has a remarkable talent for acquiring and using foreign languages. After documenting the breadth of his expertise across some sixteen languages, we investigate his command of his native language, English, and the extent to which his linguistic competence is integrated into his general cognitive ability, and we briefly discuss the implications of these results for Fodor's modularity hypothesis. The results of the experiments devised to test these aspects of his linguistic and inferential abilities then provide the basis for a more detailed analysis of his command of one specific language, Modern Greek. We concentrate on properties associated with the pro-drop parameter, in particular that-t effects and the possibility of post-verbal subjects, contrasting his performance in Greek, a pro-drop language, with English, a non-pro-drop language. The pattern of results obtained indicate that he is not acquiring a ‘first’ language several times over, but it remains for future investigation to determine how characteristic of normal second-language learners his acquisition is. We also tentatively interpret his performance in Greek as evidence in favour of the claim that the phenomena associated with the pro-drop parameter do constitute a natural class, and specifically provide support for Rizzi's revision of the parameter in terms of relativised minimality. We emphasize that these results are preliminary and hope to refine and extend our analyses in subsequent contributions.
Tsimpli, Ianthi; Roussou, Anna
Parameter-resetting in L2 Journal Article
In: UCL Working Papers in Linguistics, pp. 149 -159, 1991.
@article{Tsimpli1991b,
title = {Parameter-resetting in L2},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli and Anna Roussou},
year = {1991},
date = {1991-01-01},
urldate = {1991-01-01},
journal = {UCL Working Papers in Linguistics},
pages = {149 -159},
abstract = {The purpose of this paper is to present an account of the phenomenon of pro-drop in L2 based on a theory of L2 acquisition suggested by Tsimpli & Smith (1991). This theory assumes the availability of UG principles and the lack of parameter-resetting in case the target grammar adopts a different parametric value from L1. We will first present some of the current approaches to L2 acquisition followed by the alternative theory of L2 we are adopting. We will introduce the syntactic properties associated with the pro-drop parameter and outline the results of the studies related to pro-drop in L2 learning. We will, briefly, discuss the method of the study and the subjects' exposure to the second language.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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The purpose of this paper is to present an account of the phenomenon of pro-drop in L2 based on a theory of L2 acquisition suggested by Tsimpli & Smith (1991). This theory assumes the availability of UG principles and the lack of parameter-resetting in case the target grammar adopts a different parametric value from L1. We will first present some of the current approaches to L2 acquisition followed by the alternative theory of L2 we are adopting. We will introduce the syntactic properties associated with the pro-drop parameter and outline the results of the studies related to pro-drop in L2 learning. We will, briefly, discuss the method of the study and the subjects' exposure to the second language.
1989
Tsimpli, Ianthi
On the properties of the passive a x in Modern Greek Journal Article
In: Working Papers in Linguistics, University College London, vol. 1, pp. 235-261, 1989.
@article{Tsimpli1989,
title = {On the properties of the passive a x in Modern Greek},
author = {Ianthi Tsimpli},
year = {1989},
date = {1989-01-01},
urldate = {1989-01-01},
journal = {Working Papers in Linguistics, University College London},
volume = {1},
pages = {235-261},
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