Mathematical linguistics and cognitive complexity
Publication Date
10-31-2022
Document Type
Contribution to a Book
Publication Title
Handbook of Cognitive Mathematics
Volume
2-2
DOI
10.1007/978-3-031-03945-4_16
First Page
1015
Last Page
1051
Abstract
The complexity of linguistic patterns has been object of extensive debate in research programs focused on probing the inherent structure of human language abilities. But in what sense is a linguistic phenomenon more complex than another, and what can complexity tell us about the connection between linguistic typology and human cognition? This chapter approaches these questions by presenting a broad and informal introduction to the vast literature on formal language theory, computational learning theory, and artificial grammar learning. In doing so, it hopes to provide readers with an understanding of the relevance of mathematically grounded approaches to cognitive investigations into linguistic complexity, and thus further fruitful collaborations between cognitive scientists and mathematically inclined linguist and psychologist.
Keywords
Artificial language learning, Complexity, Formal language theory, Learnability, Simplicity
Department
Linguistics and Language Development
Recommended Citation
Aniello Santo and Jonathan Rawski. "Mathematical linguistics and cognitive complexity" Handbook of Cognitive Mathematics (2022): 1015-1051. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03945-4_16
