Primatech Talk: Cognitive Science Brownbag 2/12/99: Abstract

Title: Primatech's cognitive model of ape lauguage use

The goal of the primatech project is to create a simulation of
conversing with Chantek, an orangutan with sign language abilities.
Users will interact with the model with voice or signs, and see a
graphical image of Chantek on a screen. The eventual goal is
installation at Zoo Atlanta, where Chantek is now. In this talk I will
give an overview of the project, the ape language field, Chantek
himself and the work of his teacher Dr. Lyn Miles. The focus of the
talk will be on the cognitive modelling aspects. Ape language research
is a controversial subject, and I suggest that the best approach to
modelling is to see how far one can get by relying on basic cognition
before introducing higher level language structures. I will present a
simple memory-retrieval model, an exemplar/experience model, and
finally a grammatical model with preliminary results. The talk will
end early to have plenty of time to have a free-form discussion.  For
more information see:
http://www.cc.gatech.edu/gvu/perception/projects/primatech/

Biography: Jim Davies (jimmydavies@usa.net)

Jim is a Ph.D. student in the College of Computing working with Ashok
Goel, Nancy Nersessian and Irfan Essa. He received his masters in
Psychology at Georgia Tech.
http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~jimmyd/