Establishing linguistic conventions in task-oriented primeval dialogue

TL;DR

This paper uses computer simulations to explore how language may have emerged as a tool for coordinating complex tasks, emphasizing the importance of success in developing reliable linguistic conventions.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence that success significantly influences the emergence and stability of linguistic conventions in task-oriented dialogue.

Findings

Success increases reliability of linguistic conventions

Success reduces dispersion in emergent communication

Simulations confirm the role of success in language emergence

Abstract

In this paper, we claim that language is likely to have emerged as a mechanism for coordinating the solution of complex tasks. To confirm this thesis, computer simulations are performed based on the coordination task presented by Garrod & Anderson (1987). The role of success in task-oriented dialogue is analytically evaluated with the help of performance measurements and a thorough lexical analysis of the emergent communication system. Simulation results confirm a strong effect of success mattering on both reliability and dispersion of linguistic conventions.