engleski

Derivational morphology in Croatian child language

Few studies have analysed derivation in languages other than English, including Croatian. This study shows that by the age of three years, Croatian children already use a high number of derived words, especially prefixed verbs. Both the number of acquired affixes and proportion of derived words increase with age. Verbs are mainly prefixed and nouns suffixed. The most prevalent semantic categories in nouns are objects and instruments, and derivation in verbs marks differences in aspect and/or Aktionsart. Later child speech shows productive usage of derivation, including derivational pairs and mini-paradigms, neologisms and neosemantism. The frequency of derived words in child-directed speech influences their frequency in child language. Compared to children, adults employ a broader repertoire of derivational patterns.

child language, derivation, Croatian

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