Gloves Are Hands: How English and Italian Children Label Nouns and Predicates at 24 and 30 Months in a Picture-Naming Task

Key Points

• This research aims to analyze how English and Italian children label nouns and predicates during early language development.
• Conducted a picture-naming task with children aged 24 and 30 months
• Compared responses between English and Italian-speaking children
• Analyzed semantic representations underlying noun and predicate acquisition
• English children primarily labeled nouns, while Italian children showed more balanced labeling of nouns and predicates
• Age differences were noted, with 30-month-olds demonstrating improved labeling skills compared to 24-month-olds
• Cross-linguistic differences suggest language may shape early cognitive development