Computational constraints on syntactic processing in a nonhuman primate

William Tecumseh Sherman Fitch; MD Hauser

doi:10.1126/science.1089401

Computational constraints on syntactic processing in a nonhuman primate

William Tecumseh Sherman Fitch, MD Hauser

School of Psychology and Neuroscience

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

450 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The capacity to generate a limitless range of meaningful expressions from a finite set of elements differentiates human language from other animal communication systems. Rule systems capable of generating an infinite set of outputs ("grammars") vary in generative power. The weakest possess only local organizational principles, with regularities limited to neighboring units. We used a familiarization/discrimination paradigm to demonstrate that monkeys can spontaneously master such grammars. However, human language entails more sophisticated grammars, incorporating hierarchical structure. Monkeys tested with the same methods, syllables, and sequence lengths were unable to master a grammar at this higher, "phrase structure grammar" level.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	377-380
Number of pages	4
Journal	Science
Volume	303
Issue number	5656
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1089401
Publication status	Published - 16 Jan 2004

Keywords

COTTON-TOP TAMARINS
LANGUAGE
MONKEYS
CLASSIFICATION
DISCRIMINATION
GRAMMAR
RULE

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10.1126/science.1089401

Cite this

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KW - MONKEYS

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KW - GRAMMAR

KW - RULE

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Computational constraints on syntactic processing in a nonhuman primate

Abstract

Keywords

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