The learnability of center-embedded recursion : experimental studies with artificial and natural language

Abstract

In the present thesis, first, the principle of center-embedded (CE) recursion is explained. Next, we briefly discuss animal studies on recursion learning, followed by a section with theories and experimental evidence about human learning. Here, the complexity of the principle is contrasted with pragmatic learning strategies. Then, we discuss the features of the input that might help recursion learning. Finally, we discuss the methodological issues regarding the use of artificial language to study aspects of natural language learning.