Abstract
Studies of locative prepositions have suggested that there are regularities in the order of acquisition. This thesis describes an investigation of whether a general order of acquisition for locative prepositions applies to British children learning English as their first language. In a study involving eighty children aged between two and five years old, both the production and comprehension of locative expressions were tested. Results confirm a general order, broadly consistent with the hypothesis being tested, but with the prepositions BEHIND and, to a lesser degree, IN FRONT occurring earlier in the hierarchy. These prepositions (in their various featured and non-featured forms) and the errors made with them are looked at in some detail, and the findings give new support to evidence from other studies in this area. The conclusion is reached that there is a general order for the acquisition of locative prepositions, but that the materials used for testing, especially the nature and orientation of reference objects, are very important. This is particularly so for BEHIND and IN FRONT with featured objects ie those with inherent fronts such as people or houses - the more complex their circumstances, the later their appearance in the acquisition order.