A Computer Model of Language Acquisition – Syllable Learning – Based on Hebbian Cell Assemblies and Reinforcement Learning
Investigating language acquisition is one of the most
challenging problems in the area of studying language. Syllable
learning as a level of language acquisition has a considerable
significance since it plays an important role in language acquisition.
Because of impossibility of studying language acquisition directly
with children, especially in its developmental phases, computer
models will be useful in examining language acquisition. In this
paper a computer model of early language learning for syllable
learning is proposed. It is guided by a conceptual model of syllable
learning which is named Directions Into Velocities of Articulators
model (DIVA). The computer model uses simple associational and
reinforcement learning rules within neural network architecture
which are inspired by neuroscience. Our simulation results verify the
ability of the proposed computer model in producing phonemes
during babbling and early speech. Also, it provides a framework for
examining the neural basis of language learning and communication
disorders.
[1] H. Markert, A. Knoblauch, and G. Palm, "Modelling of syntactical
processing in the cortex," J. BioSystems, vol. 89, 2007, pp. 300-315.
[2] P. J. Buttery, "Computational models for first language acquisition,"
Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Tech. Rep. UCAM-CLTR-
675, Nov. 2006.
[3] M. T. Ullman, "Contributions of memory circuits to language: the
declarative/procedural model," J. Cognition, vol. 92, 2004, pp. 231-270.
[4] A. Portoa, A. Araqueb, J. Rabunal, J. Dorado, and A. Pazos, "A new
hybrid evolutionary mechanism based on unsupervised learning for
Connectionist Systems," J. Neurocomputing, vol. 70, 2007, pp. 2799-
2808.
[5] T. Wennekers, M. Garagnani, and F. Pulvermuller, "Language models
based on Hebbian cell assemblies," J. Physiology, vol. 100, 2006, pp.
16-30.
[6] F. H. Guenther, "Cortical interactions underlying the production of
speech sounds," J. Communication Disorders, vol. 39, 2006, pp. 350-
365.
[7] F. H. Guenther, "Neural modeling of speech production," in Proc. 4th
Int. Nijmegen Speech Motor Conf., Nijmegen, Netherland, June 13-16,
2001.
[8] T. W. Troyer, and A. J. Doupe, "An associational model of birdsong
sensorimotor learning. I. efference copy and the learning of song
syllables," J. Neurophysiol, vol. 84, 2000, pp. 1204-1223.
[9] F. H. Guenther, and S. S. Ghosh, "A model of cortical and cerebellar
function in speech", in Proc. of the XVth Int. Cong. of Phonetic Science,
Barcelona, Spain, 2003.
[1] H. Markert, A. Knoblauch, and G. Palm, "Modelling of syntactical
processing in the cortex," J. BioSystems, vol. 89, 2007, pp. 300-315.
[2] P. J. Buttery, "Computational models for first language acquisition,"
Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Tech. Rep. UCAM-CLTR-
675, Nov. 2006.
[3] M. T. Ullman, "Contributions of memory circuits to language: the
declarative/procedural model," J. Cognition, vol. 92, 2004, pp. 231-270.
[4] A. Portoa, A. Araqueb, J. Rabunal, J. Dorado, and A. Pazos, "A new
hybrid evolutionary mechanism based on unsupervised learning for
Connectionist Systems," J. Neurocomputing, vol. 70, 2007, pp. 2799-
2808.
[5] T. Wennekers, M. Garagnani, and F. Pulvermuller, "Language models
based on Hebbian cell assemblies," J. Physiology, vol. 100, 2006, pp.
16-30.
[6] F. H. Guenther, "Cortical interactions underlying the production of
speech sounds," J. Communication Disorders, vol. 39, 2006, pp. 350-
365.
[7] F. H. Guenther, "Neural modeling of speech production," in Proc. 4th
Int. Nijmegen Speech Motor Conf., Nijmegen, Netherland, June 13-16,
2001.
[8] T. W. Troyer, and A. J. Doupe, "An associational model of birdsong
sensorimotor learning. I. efference copy and the learning of song
syllables," J. Neurophysiol, vol. 84, 2000, pp. 1204-1223.
[9] F. H. Guenther, and S. S. Ghosh, "A model of cortical and cerebellar
function in speech", in Proc. of the XVth Int. Cong. of Phonetic Science,
Barcelona, Spain, 2003.
@article{"International Journal of Information, Control and Computer Sciences:62697", author = "Sepideh Fazeli and Fariba Bahrami", title = "A Computer Model of Language Acquisition – Syllable Learning – Based on Hebbian Cell Assemblies and Reinforcement Learning", abstract = "Investigating language acquisition is one of the most
challenging problems in the area of studying language. Syllable
learning as a level of language acquisition has a considerable
significance since it plays an important role in language acquisition.
Because of impossibility of studying language acquisition directly
with children, especially in its developmental phases, computer
models will be useful in examining language acquisition. In this
paper a computer model of early language learning for syllable
learning is proposed. It is guided by a conceptual model of syllable
learning which is named Directions Into Velocities of Articulators
model (DIVA). The computer model uses simple associational and
reinforcement learning rules within neural network architecture
which are inspired by neuroscience. Our simulation results verify the
ability of the proposed computer model in producing phonemes
during babbling and early speech. Also, it provides a framework for
examining the neural basis of language learning and communication
disorders.", keywords = "Brain modeling, computer models, language
acquisition, reinforcement learning.", volume = "3", number = "1", pages = "193-4", }