Title: Computational modeling of human language acquisition /
Authors: Alishahi, Afra
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool,
Year: 2011
Subjects: Language acquisition Computer simulation.
Abstract: "Human language acquisition has been studied for centuries, but using computational modeling for such studies is a relatively recent trend. However, computational approaches to language learning have become increasingly popular, mainly due to advances in developing machine learning techniques, and the availability of vast collections of experimental data on child language learning and child-adult interaction. Many of the existing computational models attempt to study the complex task of learning a language under cognitive plausibility criteria (such as memory and processing limitations that humans face), and to explain the developmental stages observed in children. By simulating the process of child language learning, computational models can show us which linguistic representations are learnable from the input that children have access to, and which mechanisms yield the same patterns of behaviour that children exhibit during this process.^
Contents: Overview -- Computational models of language learning -- Learning words -- Putting words together -- Form-meaning associations -- Final thoughts.