Entangled parametric hierarchies: problems for an overspecified universal grammar.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Boeckx C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3760868 | biostudies-other | 2013
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
Publications
Entangled parametric hierarchies: problems for an overspecified universal grammar.
Boeckx Cedric C Leivada Evelina E
PloS one 20130903 9
This study addresses the feasibility of the classical notion of parameter in linguistic theory from the perspective of parametric hierarchies. A novel program-based analysis is implemented in order to show certain empirical problems related to these hierarchies. The program was developed on the basis of an enriched data base spanning 23 contemporary and 5 ancient languages. The empirical issues uncovered cast doubt on classical parametric models of language acquisition as well as on the conceptu ...[more]
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