Integrating Discourse in a Computational Model of the Production and Comprehension of Referring Expressions

In this paper we propose a cognitive model that simulates the acquisition of object pronouns. The model will be implemented to generate precise and testable predictions about the comprehension and production of object pronouns. During sentence processing, the model incrementally builds a structural representation of the sentence, and the model incrementally constructs a discourse representation as well. Furthermore, for adult-like performance on the comprehension of pronouns the model needs to take into account the perspective of the speaker in addition to its own perspective as a hearer. Using this model, we can investigate the interaction between grammar, cognitive constraints, and discourse in the production and comprehension of referring expressions.