scholarly journals Prepositional phrases and case in North American (heritage) Icelandic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Nicole Dehé ◽  
Tanja Kupisch
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Language Change ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
Prepositional Phrases ◽  
American Heritage ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Crosslinguistic Influence ◽  
Syntactic Properties ◽  
Semantic Properties ◽  
Relative Vulnerability

Abstract The paper investigates the use of PPs, specifically prepositions and the case marking on their DP arguments, in moribund North American (heritage) Icelandic (NAmIce), using data from a map task experiment. Since prepositional phrases combine semantic properties with morpho-syntactic properties, PPs allow us to investigate the relative vulnerability of both domains at once. Our results show that while the prepositional inventory of NAmIce is not reduced as compared to Modern Icelandic, the choice of prepositions is subject to crosslinguistic influence from the dominant language English. For case, we find an increase in the use of nominative and accusative case at the expense of the dative; prepositions may take over case functions too. Our results are in line with previous research on case in heritage languages as well as studies on language change, while partially contradicting the assumption that loss is reversely related to acquisition.

The Tense, Mood, and Aspect System of Haitian Creole and the Problem of Transmission of Grammar in Creole Genesis

1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Lefebvre
Keyword(s):  
Phonological Representations ◽  
Haitian Creole ◽  
Phonological Form ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Syntactic Properties ◽  
Semantic Properties

It is often assumed that creolization involves a break in the transmission of grammar. On the basis of data drawn from the TMA system of Haitian creole, as compared with those of its source languages — French, the superstratum language, and Fongbe, one of the substratum languages — this paper argues that creolization does not involve a break in transmission of grammar. The properties of the Haitian creole TMA system are shown to reflect in a systematic way those of its contributing languages. While the syntactic and the semantic properties of the TMA markers of the creole parallel those of Fongbe, the markers' phonological form appears to be derived from phonetic strings found in the superstratum language. This systematic division of properties is predicted by the hypothesis that relexification has played a major role in the formation of the creole. The fact that the lexical entries of the creole have phonological representations which are derived from phonetic strings found in the superstratum language is the visible signal that creolization involves the creation of a new language. The fact that the lexical entries of the creole show semantic and syntactic properties that parallel those of the languages of the substratum argues that there has been no break in the transmission of grammar in the formation of the creole.

Il Y A ... Qui et C'est ... Qui

1986 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Marcel Léard
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Features ◽  
Semantic Grammar ◽  
Grammatical Morphemes ◽  
Il Y A ◽  
Syntactic Properties ◽  
Semantic Compatibility ◽  
Semantic Properties

Il y a ... qui and c'est... qui: Syntax and compatibility between semantic operations In this paper, we show that il y a ... qui and c'est... qui have three meanings or values, that are suitable with only some operations of determination, modalization (like questions, negations) and with a number of syntactic categories and functions. Therefore, we use syntactic properties to point out semantic features, but we show, in return, that syntactic acceptability of sentences can be often explained by semantic compatibility between operations. That involves a basically semantic grammar. So we link syntactic and semantic properties, mainly the meaning of grammatical morphemes. In such a case, we consider that transformational hypotheses, which don't take into account these links, are not appropriate, and we propose a more realistic way (although theoretical) of doing syntax: syntax is also the compatibility between the meaning of morphemes.

Phonological Complexity: Bernese Swiss German in Ohio and Misiones

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Robert Klosinski ◽  
Andrew D. Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Language Change ◽  
The United States ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
Swiss German ◽  
Local Contact ◽  
Additional Reference ◽  
Phonological Complexity

Abstract This article investigates the notion of complexity as it applies to two phonological characteristics of Heritage Bernese Swiss German, namely /l/-vocalization and /nd/-velarization. We survey literature on the role of complexity in language change generally, as well as how it applies to heritage languages specifically. We then present findings from our study of two groups of Heritage Bernese speakers, one in the United States and one in Argentina, with additional reference to the local contact languages. Our findings suggest that the loss of /nd/-velarization in Misiones, Argentina is most likely the result of an internally-driven reduction of complexity. For both the Ohio and Misiones communities, however, /l/-vocalization has been maintained. We conclude by discussing the importance of research into language dyads beyond those in the United States as well as pursuing research on lesser-studied heritage languages.

Time Allocation Behavior of Twentieth-Century American Generations: GI Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (49) ◽  
pp. 69-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annesha Enam ◽  
Karthik C. Konduri
Keyword(s):  
Baby Boomers ◽  
Generation X ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Time Allocation ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Silent Generation ◽  
Two Generations ◽  
American Heritage ◽  
Using Data

In recent years, time engagement behaviors of two generations, namely Baby Boomers and Millennials have sparked much interest because these generations constitute the bulk of the American population today and they also exhibit “atypical” activity–travel patterns compared with other generations. The objective of the current research is to conduct a systematic study of the time engagement behaviors of five American generations: the GI Generation (birth year: 1901–1924), the Silent Generation (birth year: 1925–1943), Baby Boomers (birth year: 1944–1964), Generation X (birth year: 1965–1981), and Millennials (birth year: 1982–2000). Particularly, the study aims at isolating heterogeneity in behaviors associated with structural changes in the society from those associated with inherent generational characteristics. Using data from four waves (1965, 1985, 2005, and 2012) of the American Heritage and Time Use Study, the analysis explores the time engagement behaviors while accounting for the age, period, and cohort effects in addition to different socioeconomic and demographic variables. The analysis reveals that Millennials have generally delayed participation in life-changing events such as marriage and workforce entry, and have exhibited prolonged student status compared with previous generations. Millennials show lower participation in work and higher participation in discretionary activities compared with individuals of the same age group from previous generations. On the other hand, Baby Boomers clearly exhibited increased travel engagement compared with the previous generations at different stages of their lives.

scholarly journals A Case of Constructional Polysemy in Latin

1994 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura A. Michaelis
Keyword(s):  
Syntactic Properties ◽  
Semantic Properties

In this paper, I will examine the syntactic and semantic properties of a Latin correlative construction, the so-called comparative conditional. I will investigate the extent to which this construction inherits its formal and interpretive features from constructions needed independently in the grammar. While the syntactic properties of the comparative conditional are highly motivated, the semantics of the construction is idiosyncratic: there is evidence to indicate that the construction is polysemous, having two related scalar interpretations.

scholarly journals The Intonation of Polar Questions in North American (“Heritage”) Icelandic

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Dehé
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
American English ◽  
Considerable Extent ◽  
Dominant Language ◽  
American Heritage

Using map task data, this paper investigates the intonation of polar questions in North American (heritage) Icelandic, and compares it to the intonation of polar questions in Icelandic as spoken in Iceland and in North American English as spoken in Manitoba, Canada. The results show that intonational features typical of Icelandic polar questions are present to a considerable extent in heritage Icelandic. Furthermore, intonational features typical of North American English polar questions can frequently be observed in heritage Icelandic, too. In addition, there is a tendency for intonational features typical of Icelandic polar questions to show up in North American English polar questions produced by speakers of heritage Icelandic more often than in North American English polar questions produced by speakers without Icelandic heritage. Focusing on intonation, the present study adds to the evidence for (bidirectional) prosodic interference between a heritage language (here moribund Icelandic) and the dominant language (here North American English).*

Introduction to Heritage Language Development

2019 ◽  
pp. 417-433
Author(s):  
Silvina Montrul ◽  
Maria Polinsky
Keyword(s):  
Heritage Language ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Language Change ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Heritage Speakers ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
First Generation Immigrants ◽  
Heritage Language Development

This chapter presents and analyses main factors that contribute to attrition in heritage languages. It shows that heritage speakers are a highly heterogeneous population from both a psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic point of view. In principle, their language can differ from the language of their input (baseline language, usually that of first-generation immigrants to a new country). The differences can be due to how the heritage language developed under reduced input conditions, interference from the dominant language (transfer) and innovations in the grammar, potential changes incipient in the input, and attrition proper. The latter is particularly apparent when the language of adult heritage speakers is compared with the language of bilingual children; such children outperform heritage speakers on a variety of linguistic properties. The critical factors that affect language change in heritage speakers include the age of onset of bilingualism and quantity/quality of input.

Introduction

2019 ◽  
pp. xxviii-4
Author(s):  
Monika S. Schmid ◽  
Barbara Köpke
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Contact ◽  
Language Change ◽  
Language Attrition ◽  
Heritage Languages ◽  
Contact Language ◽  
Linguistic Interference ◽  
The Mind ◽  
International Experts

This volume is the first handbook dedicated to language attrition, the study of how a speaker’s language may be affected by cross-linguistic interference and non-use. The effects of language attrition can be felt in all aspects of language knowledge, processing, and production, and can offer unique insights into the mind of bilingual language users. In this book, international experts in the field explore a comprehensive range of topics in language attrition, examining its theoretical implications, psycho- and neurolinguistic approaches, linguistic and extralinguistic factors, second language (L2) attrition, and heritage languages. The chapters summarize current research and draw on insights from related fields such as child language development, language contact, language change, pathological developments, and second language acquisition.

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