Modality in language acquisition

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This book explores the intricate role of modality across various languages and contexts. It begins with an examination of modal structures, focusing on their functions and forms in discourse. Contributions analyze propositional modalizers in verbal interactions, the lexical and grammatical expressions of modality in Polish and German, and the evolution of modal verbs in East Los Angeles English. The discussion extends to argumentative connectors in Polish and the conceptual significance of modality. The second section delves into modality in first language acquisition, presenting the current state of research. It covers the acquisition of Polish modal verbs, modality in Antiguan Creole, and epistemic modality in French children's reported speech. The third part shifts to second language acquisition, addressing proto-semantics and emergent grammars. It includes studies on the development of the modal lexicon in German as a second language, the syntactic characteristics of modal verbs in learner varieties, and the use of conditionals. The section also explores the acquisition of modality in French among Moroccan Arabic-speaking adults and the teaching of prescriptive functions in foreign language instruction. The book concludes with a bibliography, index, and contributor information, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding modality's multifaceted role in language learning and use.