Young children sometimes literally interpret sentences like "Do you know where your mommy is?" by answering "Yes." They failed to understand the ________ of the question.
A) pragmatics
B) propositional representation
C) syntax
D) nativism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pragmatics refers to the social and contextual aspects of language use, including the understanding of implied meanings and the interpretation of indirect speech acts. In this case, the child's literal interpretation suggests a lack of understanding of the pragmatic intent of the question. The other options (propositional representation, syntax, and nativism) do not directly relate to this aspect of language processing.

Young Children Sometimes Literally Interpret Sentences Like "Do You Know