Using the lower bound set by the universal modal to investigate the status of partial objects and count nouns

Authors

  • Premvanti Patel Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Kristen Syrett Rutgers University
  • Athulya Aravind Massachusetts Institute of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3765/elm.3.5826

Keywords:

partial objects, modals, numerals, gradability, context-sensitivity, count noun semantics

Abstract

Prior research has demonstrated that when given objects (e.g., forks) broken into pieces, children deviate from adults by counting each discrete object-piece as on par with a whole. A recent proposal ties this behavior to the vagueness and context-sensitivity inherent to count noun semantics. The present study leverages the universal modal have to in order to investigate how a linguistic context, one which sets lower bounds on numerals in its scope, regulates nominal application. Our results show that for children, who prefer the ‘exact’ reading of  numerals, the partial object not only serves to meet the lower bound, but also exceeds a numerical upper bound. Adults, on the other hand, do not consider the partial object as meeting the lower bound induced by the modal. Because we cannot determine the explanation for this finding with our current design, we plan to adapt it to use the existential modal allowed to.

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Published

2025-01-24

Issue

Section

Articles