Constrained Emergence of Universals and Variation in Syllable Systems

Melissa A. Redford · Chun-Chi Chen · Risto Mkkulainen

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Language and cultural evolution Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation Phonetics and Phonology Research

Abstract

A computational model of emergent syllable systems is developed based on a set of functional constraints on syllable systems and the assumption that language structure emerges through cumulative change over time. The constraints were derived from general communicative factors as well as from the phonetic principles of perceptual distinctiveness and articulatory ease. Through evolutionary optimization, the model generated mock vocabularies optimized for the given constraints. Several simulations were run to understand how these constraints might define the emergence of universals and variation in complex sound systems. The predictions were that (1) CV syllables would be highly frequent in all vocabularies evolved under the constraints; (2) syllables with consonant clusters, consonant codas, and vowel onsets would occur much less frequently; (3) a relationship would exist between the number of syllable types in a vocabulary and the average word length in the vocabulary; (4) different syllable types would emerge according to, what we termed, an iterative principle of syllable structure and their frequency would be directly related to their complexity; and (5) categorical differences would emerge between vocabularies evolved under the same constraints. Simulation results confirmed these predictions and provided novel insights into why regularities and differences may occur across languages. Specifically, the model suggested that both language universals and variation are consistent with a set of functional constraints that are fixed relative to one another. Language universals reflect underlying constraints on the system and language variation represents the many different and equally-good solutions to the unique problem defined by these constraints.

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References

1994On The Language Instinct 1990Natural language and natural selection 2017On Understanding Grammar 1987The Discourse Basis of Ergativity 1984Patterns of Sounds 1998Language Form and Language Function 1983The Origin of Sound Patterns in Vocal Tract Constraints 1998The frame/content theory of evolution of speech production

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2014Simultaneous Structure in Phonology 2007Feedback and regularity in the lexicon 2009The Structure of Phonological Theory.2003Self-Organization and Categorical Behavior in Phonology 2005The self-organization of combinatoriality and phonotactics in vocalization systems 2006Computer modelling as a tool for understanding language evolution 2005How Phonological Structures Can Be Culturally Selected for Learnability

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