Morten H. Christiansen

Research Focus

My research focuses on the interaction of biological and environmental constraints in the evolution, acquisition and processing of language. I employ a variety of methodologies, including computational modeling, corpus analyses, statistical learning, psycholinguistic experiments, and neuroimaging.

Current projects include:

• The role of chunking in memory, language, and statistical learning
• The role of multiword chunks as building blocks for first and second language learning
• The difficulty of learning and using Danish as a first language
• Individual differences in language, statistical learning, and reading
• Multiple-cue integration in language acquisition
• Computational and experimental approaches to the cultural evolution of language

In the news

• ChatGPT and humanities forum is March 24
• Christiansen elected to Royal Norwegian Society
• AI is changing scientists’ understanding of language learning
• Conference considers the Art & Science of Thinking Oct. 21-22
• The Spontaneous Origins of Language
• Why language is like charades – and could save us from AI
• Psychology professor elected to Denmark’s Royal Academy
• Danish children struggle to learn their vowel-filled language – and this changes how adult Danes interact
• $2M in New Frontier Grants boost high-impact A&S research
• Grants advance social sciences research, collaboration
• Study finds hidden emotions in the sound of words
• Ape communication explored at Cornell event
• Simpler grammar, larger vocabulary: a linguistic paradox explained
• Workshop explores ape and human communication
• Workshop takes transdisciplinary approach to great ape communication
• Christiansen elected fellow of Cognitive Science Society
• Cognitive scientist calls for integration in language sciences
• Creating Language
• Memory limits give rise to open-ended language abilities