We present a novel computational model employing hierarchical active inference to simulate reading and eye movements. The model characterizes linguistic processing as inference over a hierarchical generative model, facilitating predictions and inferences at various levels of granularity, from syllables to sentences. Our approach combines the strengths of large language models for realistic textual predictions and active inference for guiding eye movements to informative textual information, enabling the testing of predictions. The model exhibits proficiency in reading both known and unknown words and sentences, adhering to the distinction between lexical and nonlexical routes in dual-route theories of reading. Notably, our model permits the exploration of maladaptive inference effects on eye movements during reading, such as in dyslexia. To simulate this condition, we attenuate the contribution of priors during the reading process, leading to incorrect inferences and a more fragmented reading style, characterized by a greater number of shorter saccades. This alignment with empirical findings regarding eye movements in dyslexic individuals highlights the model's potential to aid in understanding the cognitive processes underlying reading and eye movements, as well as how reading deficits associated with dyslexia may emerge from maladaptive predictive processing. In summary, our model represents a significant advancement in comprehending the intricate cognitive processes involved in reading and eye movements, with potential implications for understanding and addressing dyslexia through the simulation of maladaptive inference. It may offer valuable insights into this condition and contribute to the development of more effective interventions for treatment.

翻译：我们提出了一种基于分层主动推理的新型计算模型，用于模拟阅读与眼动过程。该模型将语言处理表征为对分层生成模型的推理，能够在从音节到句子的多粒度层次上实现预测与推断。我们的方法融合了大语言模型在文本预测方面的优势与主动推理在引导眼动指向信息性文本内容方面的能力，从而支持对预测结果进行检验。该模型在阅读已知和未知单词及句子时均表现出色，遵循双通路阅读理论中词汇通路与非词汇通路的区分。值得注意的是，该模型允许探究阅读过程中（如阅读障碍情境下）的适应性不良推理对眼动的影响。为模拟这一病症，我们削弱了先验知识在阅读过程中的贡献，导致错误推理和更碎片化的阅读模式——具体表现为更多短促扫视。这一现象与阅读障碍个体眼动行为的实证研究结果一致，凸显了该模型在理解阅读与眼动底层认知过程、以及阅读障碍相关阅读缺陷如何源于适应性不良预测处理方面的潜力。总之，该模型在阐明阅读与眼动涉及的复杂认知过程方面取得了重要进展，通过模拟适应性不良推理为理解并应对阅读障碍提供了潜在路径，或可为该病症的干预策略优化提供宝贵见解。