Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the role of functional heads in German self-repairs. The analysis, embedded into the theoretical framework of the Minimalist Program, is based upon 814 empirically collected pieces of data consisting of self-repairs in utterances of monolingual adult speakers (n = 403) and monolingual children in the process of language acquisition (n = 411). As the survey shows, functional heads play a problematic role in the analysis of self-repairs. This results from the functional head being in itself a constant cause for self-reparation. Hence, the status of functional heads needs appropriate reconsideration. The common concept of attributed assistant characteristics is challenged hereby. Two constraints have to be established for maintaining these characteristics which are postulated in related literature. Furthermore, the process of lexical access to the mental lexicon and the operation of self-monitoring in speech production suggest to be discussed in connection with the results of this study.