Background Bootstrapping (linguistics)

1 background

1.1 origin of term bootstrapping
1.2 bootstrapping , connectionism
1.3 bootstrapping , innateness

background
origin of term bootstrapping

in literal terms, bootstrap small strap on boot used pull on entire boot. in computer science, booting refers startup of operation system means of first initiating smaller program. therefore, bootstrapping refers leveraging of small action more powerful , significant operation.



bootstrapping in linguistics first introduced steven pinker metaphor idea children innately equipped mental processes initiate language acquisition. bootstrapping attempts identify language learning processes enable children learn structure of target language.

bootstrapping , connectionism

bootstrapping has strong link connectionist theories model human cognition system of simple, interconnected networks. in respect, connectionist approaches view human cognition computational algorithm. on view, in terms of learning, humans have statistical learning capabilities allow them problem solve. proponents of statistical learning believe basis higher level learning, , humans use statistical information create database allows them learn higher-order generalizations , concepts.

for child acquiring language, challenge parse out discrete segments continuous speech stream. research demonstrates that, when exposed streams of nonsense speech, children use statistical learning determine word boundaries. in every human language, there sounds more occur each other: example, in english, sequence [st] attested (stop), sequence *[gb] not.

it appears children can detect statistical probability of sounds occurring 1 another, , use parse out word boundaries. utilizing these statistical abilities, children appear able form mental representations, or neural networks, of relevant pieces of information. pieces of relevant information include word classes, in connectionist theory, seen each having internal representation , transitional links between concepts. neighbouring words provide concepts , links children bootstrap new representations on basis of previous knowledge.

bootstrapping , innateness

the innateness hypothesis coined noam chomsky means explain universality in language acquisition. developing children adequate exposure language learn speak , comprehend language fluently. proposed despite supposed variation in languages, fall restricted subset of potential grammars infinitely conceived. chomsky argued since grammars universally deviate little same subset of general structure, , children seamlessly acquire language, humans must have intrinsic language learning capability allows learn language. intrinsic capability hypothesized embedded in brain, earning title of language acquisition device. according this, child equipped knowledge of grammatical , ungrammatical types, applies stream of speech hearing in order determine grammar stream compatible with. processes underlying lad relates bootstrapping in once child has identified subset of grammar learning, can apply knowledge of grammatical types in order learn language-specific aspects of word. relates principles , parameters theory of linguistics, in languages universally consist of basic, unbroken principles, , vary specific parameters.