V61.0024 Computational Principles of Sentence Construction
Prof. Ray Dougherty
Spring 2009
Introduces students to the basic computational tools for formulating linguistic and psycholinguistic models of competence and performance. We discuss classical problems in perception and cognition of the sounds, syntax, and meanings of human and animal languages in works by Chomsky, Hauser, Fitch, Pinker, and Lieberman. Equal time is given (a) to computational models to assign phrase markers, finite state graphs, etc. to sentences and nominal compounds and (b) recent mathematical models to explain the relation of human language to animal communication and the evolution of human language complexity. We discuss some of the work by Wolfram on biological complexity using Cellular Automata. No computer expertise is assumed. Students will be introduced to everything relevant to computation in the class. All software is on the NYU system. Students will learn to run public domain software to parse, analyze, and synthesize the signals of human and animal communication as discussed by Chomsky in his Minimalist Perspective. Computational Linguistics and Mathematical Linguistics are fields currently in turmoil owing to new hardware, software, and conceptual studies. Students will learn what the fundamental issues are and see demonstrations of the problems and solutions on computer facilities available to any NYU student. Most of the readings are in recently published articles (after 2000).
Last Modified: November 4, 2008