Modeling early lexico-semantic network development: Perceptual features matter most.

• DOI: 10.1037/xge0000596
• Publication Date: 2019-04-11T14:46:10Z
• Authors: Ryan Peters; Arielle Borovsky
• Keywords: Lexico; Semantic network

What aspects of word meaning are important in early learning and lexico-semantic network development? Adult systems flexibly encode multiple types semantic features, including functional, perceptual, taxonomic, encyclopedic. However, various theoretical accounts lexical development differ on whether how these properties meanings initially encoded into young children's emerging networks. Whereas some highlight the importance perceptual versus conceptual properties, others posit that thematic or functional primary relative to taxonomic knowledge. We seek shed light debates with 2 modeling studies explore patterns using a large database vocabulary 5,450 children, newly developed set features acquired nouns. In Study 1, we ask words relate order which typically learned; models normative noun-feature compared random growth. Both provide converging evidence play key role development. The findings lend support language child's experience. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).