Phrasal Cloning through Analogical Modeling of Language

Authors

Deryl K. Hatch, Brigham Young University
Dr. Deryle Lonsdale, Brigham Young University

Keywords

phrasal cloning, analogical modeling, language, AM

College

Humanities

Department

Linguistics and English Language

Abstract

Analogical Modeling (AM) is an algorithm for systematically comparing related sets of data (‘vectors’) in search of patterns of recurrence or dominance, whether they be apparent or not, in order to predict the likely outcome of novel occurrences. As an alternative to rule-based explanations of language, for example, it allows analogy to predict behavior, instead of rules prescribing that behavior. The motivation behind this approach is the idea that the human mind learns and processes language more by analogy than through applying hierarchal rules. It has successfully modeled many tendencies in language: historical change in English, irregularities and “exceptional” behavior of Finnish grammar, and even sociolinguistic behavior via formal and familiar terms of address in Arabic.

Recommended Citation

Hatch, Deryl K. and Lonsdale, Dr. Deryle (2014) "Phrasal Cloning through Analogical Modeling of Language," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 684.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/684