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Child Language Acquisition Homework

The document outlines Homework 9 for the course 'Introduction to Linguistics' assigned by Linmin Zhang, with a due date of April 29. It includes two problems: the first requires analysis of phonological substitutions in child language acquisition, while the second asks for the creation of a 'wug test' to assess knowledge of specific morphemes. Submissions are to be made in PDF format via NYU Brightspace.

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5 views2 pages

Child Language Acquisition Homework

The document outlines Homework 9 for the course 'Introduction to Linguistics' assigned by Linmin Zhang, with a due date of April 29. It includes two problems: the first requires analysis of phonological substitutions in child language acquisition, while the second asks for the creation of a 'wug test' to assess knowledge of specific morphemes. Submissions are to be made in PDF format via NYU Brightspace.

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sangolquie
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© All Rights Reserved
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Introduction to Linguistics, NEUR-SHU 303

Linmin Zhang

Homework 9
Assigned Apr. 22
Due Apr. 29, 8:00 pm (GMT+8, China Standard Time)
Instructions: Please use NYU Brightspace – Assignments to submit your homework in PDF.

Problem 1. In the holophrastic (one-word) stage of child language acquisition, the child’s
phonological system differs in systematic ways from that in the adult grammar. The inven-
tory of sounds and the phonemic contrasts are smaller, and there are greater constraints on
phonotactic rules.
For each of the following words produced by a child, state what the substitution is, and
any other differences that result. As a reminder, a superscript h stands for aspiration. (3/5)
(You only need to describe the observable substitutions. No observation ̸= no existence.)

Example: spook [ph uk]


Substitution: initial cluster [sp] reduced to single consonant; /p/ becomes aspirated, showing
that child has acquired aspiration rule.

(1) don’t [dot]


(2) skip [kh ip]
(3) shoe [su]
(4) that [dæt]
(5) play [ph e]
(6) thump [d2p]
(7) bath [bæt]
(8) chop [th ap]
(9) light [w>aIt]
(10) grow [go]
Problem 2. Make up a ‘wug test’ to test a child’s knowledge of the following morphemes:
(2/10)

comparative -er (as in bigger)


superlative -est (as in biggest)
agentive -er (as in writer)
potential -able (as in wearable)

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