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Abstract

One of the most distinctive characteristics of human language is the extent to which it relies on learned vocal signals. Communication systems are ubiquitous in the natural world but vocal learning is a comparatively rare evolutionary development (Jarvis, 2004). In this paper we take one example of this phenomena, bird song, which displays some remarkable parallels with human language (Doupe \& Kuhl, 1999), and we focus on one particular case study, that of the Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata var. domestica), a domesticated species whose song behaviour differs strikingly from its feral ancestor in that it has complex syntax and is heavily influenced by early learning (Okanoya, 2002). We present a computational model of the evolutionary history of the Bengalese finch which demonstrates how an increase in song complexity and increased influence from early learning could evolve spontaneously as a result of domestication. We argue that this may provide an insight into how increased reliance on vocal learning could evolve in other communication systems, including human language.

@inproceedings{ritchie05selection_EELC,
  author={Graham Ritchie and Simon Kirby},
  title={Selection, domestication, and the emergence of learned communication systems},
  year={2005},
  booktitle={Second International Symposium on the Emergence and Evolution of Linguistic Communication},
  url={http://www.isrl.uiuc.edu/~amag/langev/paper/ritchie05selection_EELC.html}
}

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