LSA.126 | Early (morpho-)syntactic development in first language acquisition

Nina Hyams
MW 8:15-9:55
location: 56-114
course web site: http://lsa.dlp.mit.edu/Class/126

This is an introductory level course in which we examine specific aspects of (morpho-)syntactic development in first language acquisition with an eye to understanding the role and interaction of universal principles and target-specific aspects of grammar in development. Recent empirical findings in developmental syntax have import for general questions about the role of grammatical (UG) principles, biological maturation and learning/input in development, and the nature of child grammars. This course will examine these issues, as well as the use of experimental methodology and spontaneous speech data in the assessment of children's emerging (morpho) syntactic competence.

Discussion will include the following topics:
Principles of (morpho-)syntactic development, early phrase structure and functional architecture and parameter setting, the morphosyntax and temporal/aspectual interpretation of non-finite root clauses

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of principles of syntax. This course is the first part of a two-part course. The second part of the course (LSA.226, Semantic Development in First Language Acquisition) is taught by Stephen Crain and focuses on semantic development.