Project description
The adaptive role of arbitrariness in human communication
Language is a fascinating mystery in human evolution, though its origins remain unclear. A key feature of human language is the arbitrary relationship between form and meaning. However, the benefits of arbitrariness are often overlooked. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ArbEvo project will demonstrate how arbitrariness in communication functions as an adaptive behavioural trait. It suggests that arbitrariness enhances communication in noisy environments. The project will show how separating form from meaning reduces ambiguity, particularly in context, and will examine the effects of natural noise on communication. Furthermore, it will highlight the role of arbitrariness in creating discrete communication systems, an important factor in the development of complex linguistic features.
Objective
Language is one of the greatest mysteries in the evolution of humankind. It is a remarkable phenomenon that appears to be distinct from other animal communication system, and yet its evolutionary roots remain far from clear. One interesting feature of human language, that does not seem to exist in other communication systems, is the arbitrary relationship between form and meaning. In recent years, many studies have emphasised cases of non-arbitrariness, such as iconicity, and pointed to its advantages for communication, but the merits of arbitrariness itself are rarely considered. This project takes a novel perspective and aims to demonstrate the potential advantage of arbitrariness, in order to elucidate it as an evolutionary adaptive behavioural trait. The specific proposal is that arbitrariness supports communication under noisy conditions. A combination of cross-linguistic comparison, laboratory psycholinguistic experiments, and computational modelling will illuminate the role of arbitrariness in efficient communication. It will demonstrate how decoupling form and meaning reduces ambiguities, when context is available, and explore the effects of various types of naturally occurring noise. The project aims to further demonstrate the role of another quality of arbitrariness: that is, the induction of a discrete communication system. This has consequences for the emergence of complex linguistic characteristics, such as syntax and compositionality. By integrating ideas from distinct fields, such as the evolution of animal communication, and cross-cultural and cross-linguistic human studies, the project has the potential to set forth a novel theory about key aspects of the evolution of language.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.