The Development of Quantity Implicatures in Mandarin-Speaking Children

The present study reports a large, cross-sectional of Mandarin-speaking children’s ability to compute quantity implicatures. To chart the developmental trajectory this pragmatic ability, we tested 225 children aged 4–8 years on their interpretations scalar and non-scalar implicatures, as well numerals. Scalar implicatures were difficult did not observe consistent success until age 6. In contrast, by 4 group was already able exact readings numerals at adult-like rates. implications current findings are discussed in relation development inference, highlighting relevance cross-linguistic data understanding development.