The Binding Theory module: Evidence from first language acquisition for Principle C

Abstract

This paper offers a critical review of a series of experimental studies of first-language acquisition of anaphora. These studies provide converging evidence that children acquiring English respect Principle C of the Binding Theory—specifically, a form of Principle C in which an r-expression is pronoun free. Principle C is respected continuously across overt syntax development (from 3 to 7 years). Although knowledge of Principle C interacts significantly with both directionality and pragmatic context, it is independent of these. Initial results on acquisition of anaphora in Japanese are also reported, suggesting that, subject to further research, early knowledge of Principle C may prove to be universal.

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