Cognition and Restriction

Abstract

In this chapter we look again at the constraints and restrictions on language, language users and language processes. We are looking again at the fine contextual balance needed to communicate information. We consider the gradual refinement of associations in the formation of concepts. Expectation provides both the metric for judging the relevance, novelty and value of content and context, and the impetus for refining the scope, generality and focus of perceptions and associations. We further consider transformation and consolidation as processes which mediate the effective and efficient use of learned associations, and forgetting as a positive correlate of the existence of multiple associations acting as alternate hypotheses or levels of generality. Finally, we turn to the impact of the sensory motor mechanisms on the conditions for and restrictions on cognitive processing and learning. We review the respective spans of absolute judgement and immediate memory, including the ubiquitous magical number seven, along with the traditional behaviourist approach to conditioning. And we compare characteristics of man and animal, native and foreigner, speaker and hearer, oral error and aural error, to refine our concepts of both comprehension and production processes.