Memory models and language comprehension

Abstract.— A schematic model for storage of meaningful verbal material is outlined. Storage of words and meaningful symbols is assumed to be separate. Accordingly it is argued that transformational grammar may be in error, and that the recent distinction between thinking in words versus thinking in imagery may be spurious. Since symbols carrying meaning must be isomorphs of real states, the distinction between abstract and concrete cognition can scarcely be upheld. Cognition, even in its conceptual forms, is seen to be always concrete. The dimensions of word storage are thought to be phonological. A preliminary analysis proceeding by using phonetical molecules results in regarding the distinction between inflectional and agglutinating languages as a purely phonological feature, and an explanation is offered as to the different probabilities of word-form change within different languages.