Not all wh-dependencies are created equal: processing of multiple wh-questions in Romanian children and adults

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the acquisition and processing multiple who - which -questions in Romanian that display ordering constraints involve exhaustivity. Toward aim, typically developing children (mean age 8.3) adults participated a self-paced listening experiment simultaneously investigated online offline comprehension wh-questions. manipulated type wh-phrase ( / ) order these elements appear (subject–object [SO]/object–subject [OS]). response question could address issue exhaustivity because we measured whether participants used an exhaustive or non-exhaustive response. Our findings reveal both slow down when as compared -phrases, but only show sensitivity -questions. Accuracy is higher with than latter pose more difficulties for comprehension, particularly OS order. We relate intervention effects similar those proposed single lack terms reaction times indicates occur at later stage, after have heard whole sentence they interpret its meaning.