Can iterated learning explain the emergence of graphical symbols?
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Simon Garrod
Abstract
This paper contrasts two influential theoretical accounts of language change and evolution – Iterated Learning and Social Coordination. The contrast is based on an experiment that compares drawings produced with Garrod et al.’s (2007) ‘pictionary’ task with those produced in an Iterated Learning version of the same task. The main finding is that Iterated Learning does not lead to the systematic simplification and increased symbolicity of graphical signs produced in the standard interactive version of the task. A second finding is that Iterated Learning leads to less conceptual and structural alignment between participants than observed for those in the interactive condition. The paper concludes with a comparison of the two accounts in relation to how each promotes signs that are efficient, systematic and learnable.
Abstract
This paper contrasts two influential theoretical accounts of language change and evolution – Iterated Learning and Social Coordination. The contrast is based on an experiment that compares drawings produced with Garrod et al.’s (2007) ‘pictionary’ task with those produced in an Iterated Learning version of the same task. The main finding is that Iterated Learning does not lead to the systematic simplification and increased symbolicity of graphical signs produced in the standard interactive version of the task. A second finding is that Iterated Learning leads to less conceptual and structural alignment between participants than observed for those in the interactive condition. The paper concludes with a comparison of the two accounts in relation to how each promotes signs that are efficient, systematic and learnable.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Experimental semiotics 1
- Systematicity and arbitrariness in novel communication systems 15
- Can iterated learning explain the emergence of graphical symbols? 33
- Exploring the cognitive infrastructure of communication 51
- The evolution of communication 79
- The effects of rapidity of fading on communication systems 101
- Investigating how cultural transmission leads to the appearance of design without a designer in human communication systems 113
- An experimental study of social selection and frequency of interaction in linguistic diversity 139
- Index 161
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Experimental semiotics 1
- Systematicity and arbitrariness in novel communication systems 15
- Can iterated learning explain the emergence of graphical symbols? 33
- Exploring the cognitive infrastructure of communication 51
- The evolution of communication 79
- The effects of rapidity of fading on communication systems 101
- Investigating how cultural transmission leads to the appearance of design without a designer in human communication systems 113
- An experimental study of social selection and frequency of interaction in linguistic diversity 139
- Index 161
