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How can we explain the emergence of a language that benefits the hearer but not the speaker?
- Source :
-
Connection Science . Sep-Dec2005, Vol. 17 Issue 3/4, p307-324. 18p. - Publication Year :
- 2005
-
Abstract
- In this paper, we explore various adaptive factors that can influence the emergence of a communication system that benefits the receiver of signals (the hearer) but not the emitter (the speaker). Using computer simulations of a population of interacting agents whose behaviour is determined by a neural network, we show that a stable communication system does not emerge in groups of unrelated individuals because of its altruistic character. None the less, another set of simulations shows that the emergence of a language that confers an advantage only to hearers, not to speakers, is possible under at least three conditions: (1) if the hearer and the speaker tend to share the same genes, as predicted by kin selection theory; (2) if the population is ‘docile’ and the communication system is culturally transmitted together with other adaptive behaviours, as predicted by Simon’s docility theory; and (3) if the linguistic system is used not only for social communication, but also for talking to oneself, in particular as an aid to memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09540091
- Volume :
- 17
- Issue :
- 3/4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Connection Science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 18448834
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09540090500177539