Prof. LI Ping, Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies

Understanding Neurocomputational Mechanisms of Language Learning in a Digital Era. The Summit Forum on Neurolinguistics. Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China, 5-7 August 2023.

Abstract
How can we leverage advances in digital technology and data science to enhance language learning? In an era of widespread digital application and innovation, our understanding of the interaction between humans and technology has lagged behind. In this talk, I outline an approach that combines emerging technologies and data-driven methodologies with current neuro-cognitive theories, in an effort to gain insights into language learning and its representation. This approach highlights interactive mechanisms and integrative processes that enable us to understand the differences between child and adult language learning, as well as individual differences in diverse language learning contexts. Computational and neurocognitive studies in this domain also have significant implications for application of AI and machine learning in personalized education, which is especially relevant in light of today’s rapid developments in large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT.