Overview

The SoundLab studies the cognitive processes underlying our ability to produce and perceive language, with a focus on speech production. We use a variety of methods to carry out this research, including:
    Psycholinguistic studies of speech errors
    Acoustic phonetic analysis of speech
    Computational models of language processes
    Neuropsychological studies of brain damaged individuals

See below for details on some ongoing projects.

Cognitive architecture of spoken production

What is the nature and organization of processes involved in the production of speech? Among other topics, ongoing projects examine the distinctions and interactions between phonological processes in production. Currently our research is supported by the National Institutes of Health: the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. The project is entitled "Phonological Cascade in Speech Production" (R03 DC 0079772). (For an abstract, follow the link to the NIH database.)

Collaborators:

Sheila Blumstein, Brown University
Albert Costa, Catalan Institute of Research and Advanced Studies, Pompeu Fabra University
Brenda Rapp, Johns Hopkins University

Computational models of language

How can we develop precise models of the mechanisms involved in the representation and processing of language? In addition to using this methodology to examine the architecture of spoken production and language change (see above), the lab has been developing formal analyses of connectionist models.

Currently our research is supported by the National Science Foundation: Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences. The project is entitled "CAREER: : Integrating Grammatical and Psycholinguistic Approaches to Phonological Processes in Speech Production" (BCS-0846147 ). (For an abstract, follow the link to the NSF database.)

Collaborators:

Paul Smolensky, Johns Hopkins University
Don Mathis, Johns Hopkins University

Acquisition of phonology: Phonetic categories and phonotactics

How do infants and adults acquire new speech categories, as well as learn new dependencies among existing categories? We've been examining these issues using computer simulations to test alternative theories of infant and adult acquisition, and by studying adult speech production.

Jessica Maye, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Language change

How do properties of individual language learners influence the course of language change at the level of a population? We've been looking at this question using computer simulations of communities of artificial agents.

Brady Clark, Department of Linguistics

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