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The Ontogeny Of Scale-Free Syntax Networks: Phase Transitions In Early Language Acquisition

Author

Listed:
  • BERNAT COROMINAS-MURTRA

    (ICREA-Complex Systems Lab, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (GRIB), Dr Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain)

  • SERGI VALVERDE

    (ICREA-Complex Systems Lab, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (GRIB), Dr Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain)

  • RICARD SOLÉ

    (ICREA-Complex Systems Lab, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (GRIB), Dr Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
    Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA)

Abstract

Language development in children provides a window to understand the transition from protolanguage to language. Here we present the first analysis of the emergence of syntax in terms of complex networks. A previously unreported, sharp transition is shown to occur around two years of age from a (pre-syntactic) tree-like structure to a scale-free, small world syntax network. The development of these networks thus reveals a nonlinear dynamical pattern where the global topology of syntax graphs shifts from a hierarchical, tree-like pattern, to a scale-free organization. Such change seems difficult to be explained under a self-organization framework. Instead, it actually supports the presence of some underlying innate component, as early suggested by some authors.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernat Corominas-Murtra & Sergi Valverde & Ricard Solé, 2009. "The Ontogeny Of Scale-Free Syntax Networks: Phase Transitions In Early Language Acquisition," Advances in Complex Systems (ACS), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 12(03), pages 371-392.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:acsxxx:v:12:y:2009:i:03:n:s0219525909002192
    DOI: 10.1142/S0219525909002192
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    Cited by:

    1. Heng Chen, 2023. "A lexical network approach to second language development," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Woon Peng Goh & Kang-Kwong Luke & Siew Ann Cheong, 2018. "Functional shortcuts in language co-occurrence networks," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(9), pages 1-18, September.

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