Some Semantic Properties in Sentence Perception

Abstract

Recent developmental and experimental evidence indicates that a semantic strategy probably has priority over a linguistic strategy in sentence perception and comprehension by adults. This investigation was carried out under the assumption that differential effects would obtain in semantic strategy when a task is contrived with major constraints on semantic strategy in the context of a constant operation in syntactic processing. In two studies systematic semantic manipulations were made on the noun in NP2 for unmodified transitive sentences which underwent active to passive transformations in a communicatively sterile context. Plurality, single or double syllables, and derivation type (topical) were not significant morphemic variations on the noun in NP2. However, variations of animateness on the noun in NP3 constituted significant semantic properties in perceiving sentences that underwent active to passive transformations.

Contextual priority: verbal shift at seven?

“…In short, these tasks are not communicative in the sense of the communicative game (Muma 1975). In short, these tasks are not communicative in the sense of the communicative game (Muma 1975).…”

“…The tasks under study lack communicative intent, available reference, role- taking, turn-taking, adjusted messages, etc. In short, these tasks are not communicative in the sense of the communicative game (Muma 1975). They are metalinguistic activities.…”

“…Animateness is a salient variable in language learning and verbal processing (Schlesinger 1974, Suci & Hamacher 1972, Muma, Perry-Adams & Gallagher 1974. In SVO constructions, animate subject and inanimate object are comprehended easiest followed in turn by animate subject-animate object, inanimate subject-inanimate object, and inanimate subject-animate object (Chapman & Miller 1975).…”