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Language processing is not a race against time

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 June 2016

Giosuè Baggio
Affiliation:
Language Acquisition and Language Processing Lab, Department of Language and Literature, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norwaygiosue.baggio@ntnu.nohttp://www.ntnu.edu/employees/giosue.baggio
Carmelo M. Vicario
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57, 2AS, United Kingdom. c.m.vicario@bangor.ac.ukhttp://www.bangor.ac.uk/psychology/people/profiles/carmelo_vicario.php.en

Abstract

We agree with Christiansen & Chater (C&C) that language processing and acquisition are tightly constrained by the limits of sensory and memory systems. However, the human brain supports a range of cognitive functions that mitigate the effects of information processing bottlenecks. The language system is partly organised around these moderating factors, not just around restrictions on storage and computation.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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