Regularity in Mappings Between Signals and Meanings

Monica Tamariz; Andrew D. M. Smith

doi:10.1142/9789812776129_0040

Regularity in Mappings Between Signals and Meanings

Monica Tamariz, Andrew D. M. Smith

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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Abstract

We combine information theory and cross-situational learning to develop a novel metric for quantifying the degree of regularity in the mappings between signals and meanings that can be inferred from exposure to language in context. We illustrate this metric using the results of two artificial language learning experiments, which show that learners are sensitive, with a high level of individual variation, to systematic regularities in the input. Analysing language using this measure of regularity allows us to explore in detail how language learning and language use can both generate linguistic variation, leading to language change, and potentially complexify language structure, leading to qualitative language evolution.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	The Evolution of Language: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on the Evolution of Language
Editors	Andrew D. M. Smith, Kenny Smith, Ramon Ferrer i Cancho
Publisher	World Scientific Publishing
Pages	315-322
Number of pages	8
ISBN (Electronic)	978-981-4472-49-4
ISBN (Print)	978-981-277-611-2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1142/9789812776129_0040
Publication status	Published - 2008
Event	7th International Conference on the Evolution of Language - Barcelona, Spain Duration: 11 Mar 2008 → 15 Mar 2008

Conference

Conference	7th International Conference on the Evolution of Language
Abbreviated title	EvoLang 7
Country	Spain
City	Barcelona
Period	11/03/08 → 15/03/08

Access to Document

10.1142/9789812776129_0040

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title = "Regularity in Mappings Between Signals and Meanings",

abstract = "We combine information theory and cross-situational learning to develop a novel metric for quantifying the degree of regularity in the mappings between signals and meanings that can be inferred from exposure to language in context. We illustrate this metric using the results of two artificial language learning experiments, which show that learners are sensitive, with a high level of individual variation, to systematic regularities in the input. Analysing language using this measure of regularity allows us to explore in detail how language learning and language use can both generate linguistic variation, leading to language change, and potentially complexify language structure, leading to qualitative language evolution.",

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booktitle = "The Evolution of Language: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on the Evolution of Language",

publisher = "World Scientific Publishing",

address = "Singapore",

note = "7th International Conference on the Evolution of Language, EvoLang 7 ; Conference date: 11-03-2008 Through 15-03-2008",

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Tamariz, M & Smith, ADM 2008, Regularity in Mappings Between Signals and Meanings. in ADM Smith, K Smith & R Ferrer i Cancho (eds), The Evolution of Language: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on the Evolution of Language. World Scientific Publishing, pp. 315-322, 7th International Conference on the Evolution of Language, Barcelona, Spain, 11/03/08. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789812776129_0040

Regularity in Mappings Between Signals and Meanings. / Tamariz, Monica; Smith, Andrew D. M.

The Evolution of Language: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on the Evolution of Language. ed. / Andrew D. M. Smith; Kenny Smith; Ramon Ferrer i Cancho. World Scientific Publishing, 2008. p. 315-322.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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