Word learning and semantic integration: memory reactivation as a key mechanism for building mental lexicon

JULIETA LAURINO; CECILIA FORCATO; ME PEDREIRA; LAURA KACZER

Buenos Aires

Congreso; XXXV Congreso SAN 2020; 2020

SAN

Learning the meaning of new words is an important aspect of human language. However, after learning occurs, words must be ableto integrate with other lexical items accordingly, while remaining malleable for possible updates.? The reactivation framework proposes that, upon reactivation, the stabilized memory item transiently destabilizes and again engagesneuronal mechanisms of re-stabilization. Thus, memories become susceptible to disruption, enhancement and modification byexperimental treatment.? Objective: Analyze the contribution of memory reactivation to the enhancement and updating of words? meaning. Our hypothesis isthat reactivating a novel word´s meaning could be a key mechanism for its lexical integration and plasticity.