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Quantifier-Specific Usage Patterns Shape Learning--A Corpus Analysis on Universal Quantifiers in English and Dutch Child-Directed Language

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Title: Quantifier-Specific Usage Patterns Shape Learning--A Corpus Analysis on Universal Quantifiers in English and Dutch Child-Directed Language
Language: English
Authors: Mieke Sarah Slim (ORCID 0000-0002-7494-2792), Elizabeth Tobyn, Caroline F. Rowland (ORCID 0000-0002-8675-8669)
Source: First Language. 2026 46(2):335-370.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 36
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Language Usage, Language Patterns, Form Classes (Languages), English, Indo European Languages, Child Language, Semantics, Linguistic Input, Language Acquisition, Language Research, Contrastive Linguistics, Syntax, Grammar
DOI: 10.1177/01427237251385837
ISSN: 0142-7237
1740-2344
Abstract: Quantifiers specify semantic relations between sentence constituents. Due to their abstract meanings, they form a learning challenge for children. This challenge is made more difficult by the fact that different universal quantifiers instantiate slightly different meanings. We investigated what evidence is available in the input that might help children learn the meaning of universal quantifiers by exploring the use of these words in naturalistic child-ambient language in English and Dutch. The cross-linguistic component in this analysis is relevant because languages differ in how they carve up the space of universal quantification. Our analysis revealed language- and quantifier-specific patterns in frequency, variability, and contexts of use. We discuss how these quantifier-specific usage patterns lead to quantifier-specific developmental trajectories and challenges.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1499929
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Quantifier-Specific Usage Patterns Shape Learning--A Corpus Analysis on Universal Quantifiers in English and Dutch Child-Directed Language
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mieke+Sarah+Slim%22">Mieke Sarah Slim</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7494-2792">0000-0002-7494-2792</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Elizabeth+Tobyn%22">Elizabeth Tobyn</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Caroline+F%2E+Rowland%22">Caroline F. Rowland</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8675-8669">0000-0002-8675-8669</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22First+Language%22"><i>First Language</i></searchLink>. 2026 46(2):335-370.
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  Data: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
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  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Quantifiers specify semantic relations between sentence constituents. Due to their abstract meanings, they form a learning challenge for children. This challenge is made more difficult by the fact that different universal quantifiers instantiate slightly different meanings. We investigated what evidence is available in the input that might help children learn the meaning of universal quantifiers by exploring the use of these words in naturalistic child-ambient language in English and Dutch. The cross-linguistic component in this analysis is relevant because languages differ in how they carve up the space of universal quantification. Our analysis revealed language- and quantifier-specific patterns in frequency, variability, and contexts of use. We discuss how these quantifier-specific usage patterns lead to quantifier-specific developmental trajectories and challenges.
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        Value: 10.1177/01427237251385837
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      – TitleFull: Quantifier-Specific Usage Patterns Shape Learning--A Corpus Analysis on Universal Quantifiers in English and Dutch Child-Directed Language
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