Journal article
The consequences of Zipf's law for syntax and symbolic reference.
- Abstract:
-
Although many species possess rudimentary communication systems, humans seem to be unique with regard to making use of syntax and symbolic reference. Recent approaches to the evolution of language formalize why syntax is selectively advantageous compared with isolated signal communication systems, but do not explain how signals naturally combine. Even more recent work has shown that if a communication system maximizes communicative efficiency while minimizing the cost of communication, or if ...
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- Publication status:
- Published
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- Publisher copy:
- 10.1098/rspb.2004.2957
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Authors
Bibliographic Details
- Journal:
- Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society
- Volume:
- 272
- Issue:
- 1562
- Pages:
- 561-565
- Publication date:
- 2005-03-01
- DOI:
- EISSN:
-
1471-2954
- ISSN:
-
0962-8452
- Source identifiers:
-
10984
Item Description
- Language:
- English
- Keywords:
- Pubs id:
-
pubs:10984
- UUID:
-
uuid:3818b3d7-6d6b-48ca-98ed-4b9088a66bab
- Local pid:
- pubs:10984
- Deposit date:
- 2012-12-19
Terms of use
- Copyright date:
- 2005
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