Theme 2: Dynamics in Human Language and Communication
This theme will present empirical and experimental data on human language dynamics and on how
humans creatively invent and adopt communication strategies and
conventionalised communication systems through dynamic interactions.
A preliminary schedule of this theme includes the following topic and speakers:
2.1 Archaeology and dynamics of human language
How have human languages evolved? What have we learned from recent projects studying population dynamics through genetics and the languages spoken by these populations?
2.2 Emergence of Human Communication
In how far are humans able to invent new communication systems? Experiments in emergence of artificial communication systems in humans. Investigations into the emergence of symbols and gesture-based symbolic systems in deaf children.
2.3 Grammatical functions and constructions
What are the functional and constructional building blocks of languages that are partly conventionalised in emergent grammars?