Abstract
We examine the role of off-line memory consolidation processes in the learning and retention of a new quasi-regular linguistic system similar to the English past tense. Quasi-regular systems are characterized by a dominance of systematic, regular forms (e.g., walk-walked, jump-jumped) alongside a smaller number of high frequency irregulars (e.g., sit-sat, go-went), and are found across many cognitive domains, from spelling-sound mappings to inflectional morphology to semantic cognition. Participants were trained on the novel morphological system using an artificial language paradigm, and then tested after different delays. Based on a complementary systems account of memory, we predicted that irregular forms would show stronger off-line changes due to consolidation processes. Across two experiments, participants were tested either immediately after learning, 12 h later with or without sleep, or 24 h later. Testing involved generalization of the morphological patterns to previously unseen words (both experiments) as well as recall of the trained words (Experiment 2). In generalization, participants showed ‘default’ regularization across a range of novel forms, as well as irregularization for previously unseen items that were similar to unique high-frequency irregular trained forms. Both patterns of performance remained stable across the delays. Generalizations involving competing tendencies to regularize and irregularize were balanced between the two immediately after learning. Crucially, at both 12-h delays the tendency to irregularize in these cases was strengthened, with further strengthening after 24 h. Consolidated knowledge of both regular and irregular trained items contributed significantly to generalization performance, with evidence of strengthening of irregular forms and weakening of regular forms. We interpret these findings in the context of a complementary systems model, and discuss how maintenance, strengthening, and forgetting of the new memories across sleep and wake can play a role in acquiring quasi-regular systems.
Highlights
A recent body of literature has highlighted the role of longterm memory processes in language learning
In the current study we further explore the extent to which properties of new mappings influence the profile of initial learning and retention within a Complementary Learning Systems (CLS) framework, focusing on inflectional morphology
Our aim was to determine whether the groups were well matched at the initial learning of the plural system, and to examine whether, across groups, the structure of the system would impact on the initial levels of learning as it does in natural languages (Albright & Hayes, 2003; Marchman, 1997; Plunkett & Marchman, 1993; Prasada & Pinker, 1993)
Summary
A recent body of literature has highlighted the role of longterm memory processes in language learning. Davis and Gaskell (2009) applied principles from the Complementary Learning Systems (CLS) model of memory (e.g., Kumaran, Hassabis, & McClelland, 2016; McClelland, 2013; McClelland, McNaughton, & O'Reilly, 1995) to account for the role of long-term memory processes in word learning. They suggested that complementary systems in the hippocampus and neocortex underpin the ability to acquire new words and integrate them with existing linguistic knowledge for long term retention. Hippocampal replay of newly established memories (e.g., Skaggs & McNaughton, 1996) is thought to underpin improvements in retention related to sleep
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