Computer Modeling of Language Evolution

Since language is the most distinctive aspect of our species, the origin and evolution of language has intrigued the human mind since ancient times. Earlier speculations on these questions were seldom fruitful because there was virtually no empirical foundation to build upon. It is well known that the linguistic societies in Paris and London banned such discussions in the 19 century. By the middle of the 20 century, however, many of the disciplines relevant to these questions began to come together. Our ability to deal scientifically with these questions has been increasing at an accelerated pace.