Reference in Child Language
FAIN: FT-13312-77
Elinor O. Keenan
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA 90089-0012)
To investigate the development of the capacity to refer in child language. Study will consider both verbal and non-verbal means used by the child to refer to objects, events and ideas. Further study will focus on the nature of the referent identified by the child over developmental time. Initially children tend to talk primarily about objects they can perceive in the immediate environment, as they lack the verbal devices necessary to refer to entities not present.