Recalling sequences from memory can explain the distribution of recursive structures in natural languages.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Linguistics
• Evolutionary Psychology

Background:

• Language structure evolves under cognitive constraints.
• Hierarchical recursive structures pose challenges in relating to cognitive features.
• The ubiquity of center-embedded (CE) structures versus the rarity of crossed-dependent (CD) structures requires explanation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a cognitive account for the prevalence of CE structures over CD structures in language.
• To explain how memory retrieval and word binding mechanisms influence the evolution of recursive grammatical structures.
• To investigate the role of backward vs. forward memory recall in processing CE and CD structures.

Main Methods:

• Development of two Retrieval-and-Binding (R&B) functions to model memory processes.
• Mathematical derivation of R&B performance differences between backward (CE) and forward (CD) recall.
• Reanalysis of an existing dataset on recall strategies and literature review on sequential recall in sentence processing.

Main Results:

• Backward recall (CE) performance exceeds forward recall (CD) under specific R&B functions.
• Reanalysis confirmed predictions, showing backward recall is superior for language processing conditions.
• CE structures are better supported by memory mechanisms than CD structures.

Conclusions:

• Memory retrieval mechanisms, specifically backward recall, favor the processing of center-embedded structures.
• This cognitive advantage likely explains the evolutionary prevalence of CE grammars across languages.
• Recursive embedding's productivity is best conserved in CE due to optimal memory support.