Language evolution as a Darwinian process: computational studies.

Pierre-Yves Oudeyer; Frédéric Kaplan

doi:10.1007/s10339-006-0158-3

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Language evolution as a Darwinian process: computational studies.

Pierre-Yves Oudeyer·Frédéric Kaplan

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Abstract

This paper presents computational experiments that illustrate how one can precisely conceptualize language evolution as a Darwinian process. We show that there is potentially a wide diversity of replicating units and replication mechanisms involved in language evolution. Computational experiments allow us to study systemic properties coming out of populations of linguistic replicators: linguistic replicators can adapt to specific external environments; they evolve under the pressure of the cognitive constraints of their hosts, as well as under the functional pressure of communication for which they are used; one can observe neutral drift; coalitions of replicators may appear, forming higher level groups which can themselves become subject to competition and selection.

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Biological Evolution Computational Biology Computer Simulation Humans Linguistics Models, Biological Psychological Theory Systems Theory Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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Pierre-Yves Oudeyer, Frédéric Kaplan. 2007. Language evolution as a Darwinian process: computational studies.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10339-006-0158-3

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