Language differentiation by the bilingual infant

Author: Vihman, M.M.

Description: This paper traces the process involved in the bilingual infant’s gradual differentiation of his two languages, beginning with the acquisition of a dual lexicon. Word combination is at first based indiscriminately on this dual language source; function words account for a disproportionately large number of tokens used in mixed-language utterances. Universal principles of child syntax are at first applied; later, rules specific to each of the languages are developed separately. The development of self-awareness and sensitivity to standards in the second year provides the essential cognitive underpinning for the child to begin to avoid mixed-language utterances and to choose his language according to his interlocutor. At a still later point the bilingual older child may begin to make use of code-switching strategies appropriate to his or her bilingual community.

Subject headings: Bilingual; Dual lexicon

Publication year: 1985

Journal or book title: Journal of Child Language

Volume: 12

Issue: 02

Pages:

Find the full text : https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-child-language/article/language-differentiation-by-the-bilingual-infant/23B1A26E23702EB6C668E8A05C35AAF8

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 1084