AbstractUniversal Grammar and stati

Abstract
Universal Grammar and statistical generalization from linguistic data have almost always been invoked as mutually exclusive
means of explaining child language acquisition. This papers show that such segregation is both conceptually unnecessary and
empirically flawed. We demonstrate the utility of general learning mechanisms in the acquisition of the core grammatical system
through frequency effects in parameter setting, and develop an optimization-based model of productivity with applications to
morphology and syntax in the periphery. These findings in child language support the approach to the evolution of language that
seeks connections between language and other cognitive systems, in particular the consequence of general principles of efficient
computation.

Results (English) 1:

AbstractUniversal Grammar and statistical generalization from linguistic data have almost always been invoked the us mutually exclusivemeans of explaining child language acquisition. This papers show that such segregation is both unnecessary and conceptuallyempirically flawed. We demonstrate the utility of general learning mechanisms in the acquisition of the core grammatical systemthrough frequency effects in the parameter settings, and develop an optimization-based model of productivity with applications tomorphology and syntax in the periphery. These findings in child language support the approach to the evolution of language thatseeks connections between language and other cognitive systems, in particular the consequence of general principles of efficientcomputation.