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Standardized tests and spontaneous conversational samples were used to examine the development of finite verb morphology in young cochlear implant users. Four growth profiles were considered: (1) catch-up, (2) delay, (3) regression-plateau, and (4) disorder. Predictions extrapolated from the surface/perceptual prominence and the extended optional infinitive accounts were also considered. Six children (4-6 years; implanted at 12-24 mos.) were assessed over three sessions covering an 8-month period. Results indicated that all 6 children displayed depressed MLU values relative to hearing age estimates. By the end of the study, 3 of the 6 children attained levels of proficiency with finite verb forms that were consistent with chronological age estimates (i.e. "catch-up"). Although individual variation was high, some support was provided for an extended optional infinitive account in that tense marking morphemes tended to be more challenging than nontense forms. In contrast, predictions based on the perceptual prominence hypothesis were not supported.
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