Meaning and grammar seminar

Speaker: Shira Tal (University of Edinburgh)

Title: The role of redundancy in language learning

Abstract: Linguistic redundancy – using more linguistic material than needed – is attested across languages, even though it seems to add complexity to the language system and to go against principles of efficient communication. I offer a learnability-based perspective on the presence of such redundancy in language. In particular, I make two predictions: (a) redundancy can be beneficial for learning, and (b) speakers increase the use of redundant cues when conversing with learners. In this talk, I will present a series of studies which aim to test these predictions by looking at both child and adult learners, across different levels of linguistic analyses (morpho-syntax, discourse, full language). The results support both predictions. In line with the first prediction, redundancy can be beneficial for child learners, even when it adds complexity to the language. In line with the second prediction, speech directed to learners – child and adult learners alike – is more redundant compared to speech directed to proficient speakers. Together, these results provide initial support for the idea that learning constraints help maintain redundancy in languages.