LMA Seminar, Dr Jelena Mirkovic

The role of long-term memory and language exposure in grammar learning and use

Grammar is essential for verbal communication; without it, we would have difficulties understanding and expressing who is doing what to whom. In this talk I will examine the extent to which our ability to learn and use grammar is underpinned by domain-general learning and memory mechanisms. I will describe two studies that examine this question from different viewpoints. In the first study, we will zoom in on the initial stages of grammar learning by exploring the role of sleep and wake-related memory consolidation in the first 24 hours of learning a novel grammar. In the second study, we will zoom out and examine the role of cumulative language exposure over childhood and adolescence in complex language use. Together, these studies will show that both initially and over a longer term grammar learning and use are shaped by domain-general learning and memory processes.

For access to this seminar, please register here, a link will be sent to you within a few days of the talk. For later registrations, the link will be sent an hour before the start time.