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SUMMARY:How to learn and use a language - Prof Richard Hudson (Department 
 of Phonetics and Linguistics\, UCL)
DTSTART:20080605T160000Z
DTEND:20080605T173000Z
UID:TALK7835@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Christopher Lucas
DESCRIPTION:The talk will present a model of language learning and use whi
 ch integrates these two cognitive processes with each other as well as wit
 h a detailed theory of language structure (Word Grammar). At the heart of 
 this theory lie two claims: that language is a network of\natomic nodes\, 
 and that this network is part of a much larger conceptual network - not a 
 distinct cognitive module. The network claim explains why all parts of lan
 guage are subject to spreading activation\, and the\nnon-modular claim exp
 lains why activation spreads freely between language and the rest of cogni
 tion. The theory also claims that processing involves not only spreading a
 ctivation but also the creation of temporary highly active nodes for token
 s of experience\, which guide activation in processing and which can also 
 turn into permanent network nodes - hence the piecemeal learning of langua
 ge from usage. This view of learning is combined with the idea that genera
 lisations are induced\n'off-line' by correlations that are revealed by spr
 eading activation.
LOCATION:GR06-7\, English Faculty\, 9 West Road (Sidgwick Site)
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