TY - JOUR

T1 - Canalization of language structure from environmental constraints

T2 - a computational model of word learning from multiple cues

AU - Monaghan, Padraic John

PY - 2017/1

Y1 - 2017/1

N2 - There is substantial variation in language experience, yet there is surprising similarity in the language structure acquired. Constraints on language structure may be external modulators that result in this canalization of language structure, or else they may derive from the broader, communicative environment in which language is acquired. In this paper, the latter perspective is tested for its adequacy in explaining robustness of language learning to environmental variation. A computational model of word learning from cross-situational, multimodal information was constructed and tested. Key to the model's robustness was the presence of multiple, individually unreliable information sources to support learning. This “degeneracy” in the language system has a detrimental effect on learning, compared to a noise-free environment, but has a critically important effect on acquisition of a canalized system that is resistant to environmental noise in communication.

AB - There is substantial variation in language experience, yet there is surprising similarity in the language structure acquired. Constraints on language structure may be external modulators that result in this canalization of language structure, or else they may derive from the broader, communicative environment in which language is acquired. In this paper, the latter perspective is tested for its adequacy in explaining robustness of language learning to environmental variation. A computational model of word learning from cross-situational, multimodal information was constructed and tested. Key to the model's robustness was the presence of multiple, individually unreliable information sources to support learning. This “degeneracy” in the language system has a detrimental effect on learning, compared to a noise-free environment, but has a critically important effect on acquisition of a canalized system that is resistant to environmental noise in communication.

KW - Canalization

KW - Degeneracy

KW - Language acquisition

KW - Multiple cues

KW - Word learning

KW - Computational modeling

U2 - 10.1111/tops.12239

DO - 10.1111/tops.12239

M3 - Journal article

VL - 9

SP - 21

EP - 34

JO - Topics in Cognitive Science

JF - Topics in Cognitive Science

SN - 1756-8757

IS - 1

ER -