DISTINGUISHED LECTURER SERIES

Michael A. Arbib
University of Southern California
Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering

Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Computer Science Building, Rooms 150 & 151
4:00 PM

Faculty Host: Andrew Barto

"Embodying Neurolinguistics"

Way back in 1979 and 1980, Michael Arbib organized two workshops on the theme "Neural Models of Language Processes" at UMass Amherst, where he argued for "Perceptual Motor Processes [as] the Neural Basis of Language". This theme gained new currency with the discovery that mirror neurons for grasping in monkeys (they fire both when the monkey acts and sees others act in a similar way) have a homologous system in the human brain located in or near Broca's area, traditionally related to speech production. This has led to a new theory of language evolution, which strongly links language and praxic action. This new theory of "Language Within Our Grasp" has inspired work in computational brain modeling, robot control, and brain imaging related to action recognition, imitation and language. The present talk will provide an overview of this research.

Dr. Arbib is a University Professor, Fletcher Jones Chair and Professor in Computer Science, and Professor of Biological Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern California.

Refreshments at 3:40 PM in the atrium, outside the presentation room.