Microvariation in the division of labor between null- and overt-subject pronouns: the case of Italian and Spanish

Abstract In Italian, null pronouns are typically interpreted toward antecedents in a prominent syntactic position, whereas overt prefer lower positions. Interpretation preferences Spanish less clear. While comprehension and production have never been systematically compared Italian Spanish, here we look at the for overt- null-subject two languages using same materials. Using an offline task with group of speakers, tested sentences where type pronoun (null vs. explicit) position (anaphoric cataphoric) manipulated, to determine how context affects speakers’ interpretations languages. With tasks, measured referential choice controlled discourse contexts, linking patterns differences observed comprehension. Our results indicate microvariation languages, following Position Antecedent Hypothesis but lesser degree than Italian. More specifically, weaker object bias parallels higher use (and fewer pronouns) contexts topic maintenance.