Searching for absolute and relative readings of superlatives : a second experiment

![CDATA[In this paper, we consider the acquisition of complex superlative expressions such as (1) and (2), which contain a by-phrase modifying the superlative object noun phrase (NP). Such sentences have been claimed to have up to three possible readings, the distribution of which varies across languages. (1) Sam bought the tallest painting by Nick. (2) Billy painted the smallest sculpture by Jill. In this paper, we are interested in whether young children are sensitive to the ambiguity of such expressions. We begin by introducing the possible readings of sentences such as (1) and (2), as well as the basic derivations that we assume for these readings. We then examine some spontaneous production data, to see what kinds of superlatives young children and their caregivers produce. Moving on to children’s comprehension of superlatives, we then present the results of an experiment designed to test English-speaking children’s interpretations of such superlative expressions.]]