Decomposing gradience: quantitative versus qualitative distinctions
Date
2006
Authors
Schlesewsky, M.
Bornkessel, I.
McElree, B.
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Book chapter
Citation
Source details - Title: Gradience in grammar: generative perspectives, 2006, Ch.7, pp.124-142
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Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>This chapter characterizes the critical phenomena from a behavioural perspective before turning to experimental methods, yielding more fine-grained data. It examines how linguistic judgments emerge from the real-time comprehension processes by drawing upon studies of word order variation in German. Based on a number of empirical observations, it argues that gradient data need not be interpreted as evidence against categorical grammars. Instead, gradience can come from a complex interaction between grammar-internal requirements, processing mechanisms, general cognitive constraints, and the environment within which the judgment task is performed.</jats:p>