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Learning the lexical aspects of a second language at different proficiencies: A neural computational study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2012

CRISTIANO CUPPINI ,
ELISA MAGOSSO  and
MAURO URSINO
CRISTIANO CUPPINI*
Affiliation:
Department of Electronics, Computer Sciences and Systems, University of Bologna, Italy
ELISA MAGOSSO
Affiliation:
Department of Electronics, Computer Sciences and Systems, University of Bologna, Italy
MAURO URSINO
Affiliation:
Department of Electronics, Computer Sciences and Systems, University of Bologna, Italy
*
Address for correspondence: Cristiano Cuppini, DEIS, University of Bologna, viale Risorgimento, 2 40136 Bologna, Italy[email protected]
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Abstract

We present an original model designed to study how a second language (L2) is acquired in bilinguals at different proficiencies starting from an existing L1. The model assumes that the conceptual and lexical aspects of languages are stored separately: conceptual aspects in distinct topologically organized Feature Areas, and lexical aspects in a single Lexical Network. Lexical and semantic aspects are then linked together during Hebbian learning phases by presenting L2 lexical items and their L1 translation equivalents. The model hypothesizes the existence of a competitive mechanism to solve conflicts and simulate language switching tasks. Results demonstrate that, at the beginning of training, an L2 lexicon must parasitize its L1 equivalent to access its conceptual meaning. At intermediate proficiency, L2 items may evoke their semantics independently of L1, but with a high risk of interference. At higher proficiency, the L2 representation becomes progressively similar to the L1 representation, according to Green's (2003) convergence hypothesis.

Keywords

bilingualismneural network modellingobject representationlexical-semantic linkinhibitory mechanisms
Type
Research Article
Information
Bilingualism: Language and Cognition , Volume 16 , Issue 2: Computational Modeling of Bilingualism , April 2013 , pp. 266 - 287
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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