Language learning as ontogenetic adaptation
Abstract
Language learning is a multi-threaded, multi-mechanism process. It is multi-threaded in that it emerges as a byproduct of addressing multiple goals while engaging in social interactions. It is multi-mechanism in that children integrate multiple information sources to infer what is meant and what to say next. These information sources include contextual and social cues, as well as cognitive mechanisms. Focusing on early word learning, this article reviews information sources, how children might sensitively adapt to them, and how we can model their integration using Bayesian inference over multiple probability distributions. We argue that, to advance our understanding of language learning, we must jointly study how children learn from multiple information sources across diverse developmental settings.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Child and Animal Learning Development
Language Development and Disorders
Language and cultural evolution
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Trends in Cognitive Sciences
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 712–724
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN