Developmental profile: Hamida

Hamida’s DGS productions at the onset of the study reveal that she has a command of the target grammatical properties (cf. Table 3.35). Word order adheres to the target constraints, revealing the appropriate fixation of the VP and IP-headedness parameters. While the full CP structure is available to Hamida in file 1, she exploits this expanded structure mainly for the expression of complex constructions with POVs, which she uses abundantly to describe the protagonists’ activities. Another characteristic of the file 1 narrative is the sparing provision of background information. Deficits become apparent in the mastery of the syntax-discourse interface as Hamida does not choose referential loci contrastively or consistently.

In contrast to file 1, Hamida’s narrative in file 3 is characterised by a more consistent recounting of the frog story. Her narration is coherent, reflecting also her skilful use of the target linguistic devices to establish cohesion. All in all, the structures produced are remarkably complex, providing evidence for the availability of the full sentential structure. Typically, sketches of the characters’ activities are followed by more detailed accounts of the story events, their temporal and causal relations. Information about figure-ground relations is provided in the majority of cases. Also, changes between FRFs and SRFs in file 3 are easier to follow because Hamida often uses full NPs to reintroduce referents.