Re: Right-Branching vs. Left-Branching

Rob Haden <magwich78@Y...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I've read that right-branching languages are inherently easier for people
> to parse than left-branching sentences.  However, the article where I read
> that did not give any sources for it.  I was wondering if there are any
> well-known studies that prove that right-branching is easier to parse
> than left-branching.
>
> Also, if right-branching has been proven to be easier to parse, then why
> are there more SOV (that is, [predominantly] left-branching) languages than
> any other type?
>
> - Rob
I can't think of any studies off the top of my head. It's probably true that
right-branching sentences are easier for English speakers to parse. But saying
that right-branching is inherently easier across the board... I don't know. I
would agree that it seems a bit odd, considering, as you say, the sheer volume
of SOV (left-branching) languages (I think that SOV and SVO are roughly equally
represented if I recall correctly. I'm not sure which one is actually more
common). But then, I think there's at least one school of thought that says all
languages are really SVO if you get down far enough.

Early linguistics: all languages are essentially just like Latin.
Chomskyan linguistics: all languages are essentially just like English, if you build
enough trees and diagrams and explain them in complicated enough terms.

:)

Heather

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