adjectives - request for references

[Nelson, Katherine]

The issue of markedness and the acquisition of adjectives was discussed
extensively in the early to mid-70's.  See papers by Eve Clark and H. H.
Clark for example in T. E. Moore (Ed.) 1973 (Academic) "Cognitive
Development and the Acquisition of language."  See also discussion of
relevant literature (including Bierwish on markedness) in K. Nelson (1985)
"Making Sense: The Acquisition of shared meaning" for additional references
to this literature.

Katherine Nelson
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-----Original Message-----
From: Jan de Jong [mailto:j.de.jong at direct.a2000.nl]
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 1999 8:07 AM
To:
Subject: adjectives - request for references


Dear colleagues,

I've read occasional references to the role of markedness in the
acquisition of adjectives. The fact that the question is asked 'how big
is it', rather than 'how small is it' would parallel the finding that
children to learn unmarked 'big' before marked 'small'. Could anyone
guide me to relevant references with regard to the acquisition of such
(gradual) adjectives?

Jan de Jong