Thomas, M. S. C. & Redington, M. (2004). Modelling atypical syntax
processing. In W. Sakas (Ed.), Proceedings of the First Workshop on
Psycho-computational Models of Human Language Acquisition at 20th
International Conference on Computational Linguistics, Geneva,
Switzerland, 28 August 2004. (pp. 85-92).
Abstract
We evaluate the inferences that can be drawn from dissociations in
syntax processing identified in developmental disorders and acquired
language deficits. We use an SRN to simulate empirical data from Dick
et al. (2001) on the relative difficulty of comprehending different
syntactic constructions under normal conditions and conditions of
damage. We conclude that task constraints and internal computational
constraints interact to predict patterns of difficulty. Difficulty is
predicted by the frequency of constructions, by the requirement of the
task to focus on local vs. global sequence information, and by the
ability of the system to focus on local vs. global sequence
information, and by the ability of the system to maintain sequence
information. We generate a testable prediction based on the empirical
pattern that should be observed under conditions of developmental
damage.
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Last modified: Feb 23rd, 2005