Abstract
A new approach to the origins of syntax in human language is presented. Using computational models of populations of learners, it is shown that compositional, recursive mappings are inevitable end-states of a cultural process of linguistic transmission. This is true even if the starting state is no language at all. It is argued that the way that knowledge of language is transmitted through a learning bottleneck profoundly influences its emergent structure. This approach provides a radical alternative to one in which the structure of language is viewed as an innate, biological adaptation to communicative pressures.1
This work benefited greatly from conversation with and comments from Jim Hurford, Mike Oliphant, and Ted Briscoe and was supported by ESRC grant R000237551.
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Kirby, S. (1999). Syntax out of Learning: The Cultural Evolution of Structured Communication in a Population of Induction Algorithms. In: Floreano, D., Nicoud, JD., Mondada, F. (eds) Advances in Artificial Life. ECAL 1999. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 1674. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-48304-7_91
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-48304-7_91
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