Testing interface and frequency hypotheses

Abstract

The Interface Hypothesis predicts that syntax-discourse interface features are acquired later than features involving the interface between syntax and other components of grammar. The Frequency Hypothesis predicts that frequent grammatical patterns are acquired earlier than infrequent ones. This study tests these hypotheses by examining Spanish subject pronoun expression in interviews with 28 U.S. bilingual children of Mexican-descent. Binary logistic regression analyses demonstrate that the children’s pronoun expression is significantly constrained by switch-reference, a discourse-pragmatic factor, but not tense/mood/aspect, a morphological factor. These results do not support the Interface Hypothesis since the children acquire a discourse-pragmatic constraint before a morphological one. Instead, frequency effects can explain the findings: the more frequent the constraint, the earlier it is acquired.