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Language dynamics in finite populations.

Natalia L Komarova1, Martin A Nowak

  • 1Institute for Advanced Study, Einstein Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|March 19, 2003
PubMed
Summary

This study explores language acquisition, showing that universal grammar (UG) ensures linguistic coherence. For finite populations, selective language dynamics approximate infinite models, while neutral dynamics require finite populations for coherence.

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Area of Science:

  • Linguistics
  • Computational Neuroscience
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Language acquisition mechanisms are constrained to a restricted set of grammars.
  • Universal Grammar (UG) is hypothesized to provide the specificity for linguistic coherence in populations.
  • Previous work established the coherence threshold for deterministic dynamics and infinite populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Extend the coherence threshold framework to stochastic processes and finite populations.
  • Investigate the impact of selective and neutral language dynamics on linguistic coherence.
  • Analyze the relationship between population size, dynamics, and the accuracy needed for language acquisition.

Main Methods:

  • Mathematical modeling of language acquisition dynamics.
  • Analysis of stochastic processes in finite populations.
  • Comparison of results for selective and neutral language dynamics.

Main Results:

  • For selective language dynamics, infinite population results serve as good approximations for finite populations.
  • Finite populations require slightly higher accuracy in language acquisition to maintain coherence under selection.
  • Linguistic coherence is achievable in finite populations only under neutral language dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • The coherence threshold framework is successfully extended to stochastic and finite population models.
  • Population finiteness and selection dynamics significantly influence the conditions for linguistic coherence.
  • Findings offer insights into the evolution and maintenance of language in human populations.

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