Associative learning and self-organization as basic principles for simulating speech acquisition, speech production, and speech perception

Abstract

Background: Quantitative neural models of speech acquisition and speech processing are rare. Methods: In this paper, we describe a neural model for simulating speech acquisition, speech production, and speech perception. The model is based on two important neural features: associative learning and self-organization. The model describes an SOM-based approach to speech acquisition, i.e. how speech knowledge and speaking skills are learned and stored in the context of self-organizing maps (SOMs). Results: The model elucidates that phonetic features, such as high-low, front-back in the case of vowels, place and manner or articulation in the case of consonants and stressed vs. unstressed for syllables, result from the ordering of syllabic states at the level of a supramodal phonetic self-organizing map. After learning, the speech production and speech perception of speech items results from the co-activation of neural states within different cognitive and sensorimotor neural maps. Conclusion: This quantitative model gives an intuitive understanding of basic neurobiological principles from the viewpoint of speech acquisition and speech processing.