Project description
Solving the enigma of language acquisition
In the intricate landscape of language acquisition, no two language learners have the same experience, success rate and pace. Fluent language command can open up opportunities, and it is well worth comprehending the mechanisms that drive successful language acquisition. Backed by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the UPLANDS project will explore the notion of prediction-based learning, a pivotal mechanism believed to guide language mastery. While influential theories have laid the groundwork, how a prediction-based language mechanism operates remains a mystery. The UPLANDS project will define the role of prediction in language acquisition, employing behavioural paradigms and neuroscientific methods to illuminate the shadows and transform the landscape of linguistic prediction and language learning.
Objective
Although we often regard language acquisition as an automatic process, there can be huge variation in the speed and success of different learners. As a good command of language is essential for many life outcomes, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms that lead to successful language acquisition. Some influential theories point to prediction-based learning as a crucial language acquisition mechanism. Prediction, the ability to anticipate other’s upcoming words or actions, is already known to play an important role in human communication. For instance, predicting when our conversation partner will stop speaking allows us to start our responses immediately, thus leading to fluent conversations. A prediction-based mechanism is at the heart of error-based theories of language acquisition, which suggest that children and adults constantly predict the next word when listening to others talk. They then assess whether their predictions were correct and if not, an error-signal is created which is then used for learning. While these theories have grown immensely influential in recent years, we still know little about the prediction-based mechanism that underpins them. We have limited evidence connecting linguistic predictions to language learning, and almost no direct knowledge of how a prediction-based language acquisition mechanism might operate. As a result, and despite the popularity of error-based theories of language acquisition, prediction’s actual role in language acquisition remains unclear. This project will significantly expand our current knowledge of how a prediction-based learning mechanism functions. It will do so by combining a newly-developed behavioural paradigm with neuroscientific methods (EEG and MEG) across three experimental studies. This will not only shed further light on prediction’s role in language acquisition, but will also establish a methodological approach that can form the basis of future research into these questions.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
6525 XZ Nijmegen
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.