Integrating the Syntactic and Semantic Acquisition of Chinese Classifiers in Mandarin-Speaking Children: A Corpus Study
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| Title: | Integrating the Syntactic and Semantic Acquisition of Chinese Classifiers in Mandarin-Speaking Children: A Corpus Study |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Aijun Huang (ORCID |
| Source: | First Language. 2026 46(2):256-287. |
| 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: | 32 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Syntax, Semantics, Language Acquisition, Mandarin Chinese, Form Classes (Languages), Children, Child Language, Nouns |
| DOI: | 10.1177/01427237251371761 |
| ISSN: | 0142-7237 1740-2344 |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the acquisition of Chinese classifiers in Mandarin-speaking children through an in-depth quantitative analysis of over 200,000 natural utterances from the Child Language Data Exchange System database. The dataset includes interactions from 889 children aged 1 year and 2 months to 6 years, as well as their caregivers. By integrating syntactic and semantic analyses, the research reveals a dissociation between syntactic and semantic development, supporting a modular learning architecture. Syntactic acquisition develops rapidly, achieving adult-like proficiency by age 2;06. In contrast, semantic acquisition follows a protracted, U-shaped trajectory, characterized by a dynamic shift of learning strategies: initially relying on item-based rote memorization, transitioning to rule generalization accompanied by overextension errors, and undergoing gradual refinement that extends beyond the age of 6. These stages reveal a non-parallel developmental trajectory for syntactic and semantic acquisition, highlighting the complexity of mastering a rich nominal classification system like Mandarin Chinese. By integrating quantitative analysis with large-scale corpus data, we deepen our understanding of the linguistic processes underlying classifier acquisition and contribute to broader theories of language development. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1499979 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the acquisition of Chinese classifiers in Mandarin-speaking children through an in-depth quantitative analysis of over 200,000 natural utterances from the Child Language Data Exchange System database. The dataset includes interactions from 889 children aged 1 year and 2 months to 6 years, as well as their caregivers. By integrating syntactic and semantic analyses, the research reveals a dissociation between syntactic and semantic development, supporting a modular learning architecture. Syntactic acquisition develops rapidly, achieving adult-like proficiency by age 2;06. In contrast, semantic acquisition follows a protracted, U-shaped trajectory, characterized by a dynamic shift of learning strategies: initially relying on item-based rote memorization, transitioning to rule generalization accompanied by overextension errors, and undergoing gradual refinement that extends beyond the age of 6. These stages reveal a non-parallel developmental trajectory for syntactic and semantic acquisition, highlighting the complexity of mastering a rich nominal classification system like Mandarin Chinese. By integrating quantitative analysis with large-scale corpus data, we deepen our understanding of the linguistic processes underlying classifier acquisition and contribute to broader theories of language development. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0142-7237 1740-2344 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/01427237251371761 |
