V2 violations in different variants of Icelandic: A common denominator?

What is it about?

This paper discusses the rules for word order in Icelandic, specifically a rule called "verb-second" (V2), which means that the verb usually comes second in a sentence. The authors explore situations where this rule doesn't seem to apply, looking at different groups of Icelandic speakers, such as those living in North America, as well as in children's songs or poems. They find that some of the violations can be explained by influence from English, especially in North American speakers. Others are due to the specific tasks used in tests, and some come from the special structures used in poetry or nursery rhymes. The research indicates that even though the V2 rule in Icelandic is typically well-understood and applied, there are exceptions in different contexts. Interestingly, when examining how people accept these exceptions, there doesn’t seem to be a straightforward link to their age or how much English they know. The paper also notes that while children listen to songs that sometimes break this rule, they still learn and follow the V2 rule effectively. Overall, this study offers insights into how language rules can change in different situations and the ability of children to learn their language despite encountering “incorrect” examples.

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Why is it important?

This topic is important for several reasons: Studying exceptions to the V2 rule helps linguists better understand the complexities of Icelandic grammar and the nature of language rules in general. The research sheds light on how children learn language rules, showcasing their ability to navigate exceptions, which has implications for theories of language development. Exploring the influence of English on Icelandic reveals how languages can interact in bilingual contexts, contributing to our understanding of language evolution and change. Insights from this research can help in understanding the variations within Icelandic and among related languages, enriching the study of world linguistics. Overall, the paper contributes to the broader field of linguistics and enhances knowledge about language behavior, development, and cultural influence.