武汉理工大学：《英语言学》课程教学资源（PPT课件讲稿，英文版）Psycholinguistics

Psycholinguistics

Psycholinguistics

Language as an interface Human intelligence discovered a way of perpetuating itself, one not only more durable and more resistant than architecture. but also simpler and easier. Victor hugo

Language as an interface Human intelligence discovered a way of perpetuating itself, one not only more durable and more resistant than architecture, but also simpler and easier. -Victor Hugo

But using language only seems easy Language processing is a hugely complex computational task Other intelligent critters(e.g, chimps, gorillas fail to learn language except at the most rudimentary levels Computers fail miserably ( Scientists still don t understand fully how we do it)

Language processing is a hugely complex computational task… • Other intelligent critters (e.g., chimps, gorillas) fail to learn language except at the most rudimentary levels • Computers fail miserably • (Scientists still don’t understand fully how we do it) But using language only seems easy!

But using language only seems easy Language processing is hugely complex computational task, yet Every normal human child in every culture acquires sophisticated linguistic competence before the age of 5 This learning occurs simply by exposure to language, and does not require explicit instruction(unlike reading or math) And, it can emerge spontaneously in children with minimal linguistic exposure

Language processing is hugely complex computational task, yet… • Every normal human child in every culture acquires sophisticated linguistic competence before the age of 5 • This learning occurs simply by exposure to language, and does not require explicit instruction (unlike reading or math) • And, it can emerge spontaneously in children with minimal linguistic exposure But using language only seems easy!

But using language only seems easy! Production Why did Ken set the soggy net on top of his deck?

Production… “Why did Ken set the soggy net on top of his deck?” ? But using language only seems easy!

But using language only seems easy How complex?:: speaking L. Select words that will express the concept soggy vs. wet; deck vs. patio; set Vs. put 2. Arrange them into the appropriate phrases set the net on his deck not set the deck on hisnet SXA 3. Look up and arrange their sound structure soggynet NOT noggyset 4. Add appropriate prosod WHY did ken... VS why did ken... vS. why did KEN 5. Code the final product in motor commands Why did Ken set the soggy net on top of his deck?

How complex? …speaking “Why did Ken set the soggy net on top of his deck?” 1. Select words that will express the concept • soggy vs. wet; deck vs. patio; set vs. put 2. Arrange them into the appropriate phrases • …set the net on his deck NOT …set the deck on his net 3. Look up and arrange their sound structure • soggy net NOT noggy set 4. Add appropriate prosody • WHY did ken…vs. why DID ken…vs. why did KEN… 5. Code the final product in motor commands But using language only seems easy!

But using language only seems easy How complex?:: comprehending sec A six word sentence 100 msec WIM

How complex? …comprehending A six word sentence But using language only seems easy!

But us ng language only seems easy How complex? I sec Th e w h i teh o u se i su n de tt k Word boundaries are not evident in the acoustic waveform

How complex? Word boundaries are not evident in the acoustic waveform But using language only seems easy!

But us ng language only seems easy How complex? I sec Th e w i teh o u se i su n de tt k Phoneme boundaries are also very fuzzy!

How complex? Phoneme boundaries are also very fuzzy! But using language only seems easy!

But us ng language only seems easy How complex?:: comprehending I sec The WhITE house is under attack. (physically) The WhITE house is under attack.(metaphorically The white HOUSE is under attack. (phys or metaph) The white house is under a tack

How complex? …comprehending The WHITE house is under attack. (physically) The WHITE house is under attack. (metaphorically) The white HOUSE is under attack. (phys or metaph) The white house is under a tack. But using language only seems easy!