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Abstract

Grammaticalisation is relevant for language evolution in two ways. First, it is possible to model grammaticalisation processes by evolutionary simulations (iterated learning). This paper provides two such models of a central step in the grammaticalisation process: the recruitment of lexical and functional words for a new functional role. These models help in better understanding the processes involved. Second, it is possible to reason backwards to earlier stages of human language. The paper argues that all that is necessary for the genesis of natural languages is the conventionality of the form-meaning association and the possibility of introducing new lexical words. Once there is a communication system of this kind, all the additional complexities of human languages follow.

@inproceedings{zeevat06grammaticalisation,
  author={Henk Zeevat},
  title={Grammaticalisation and evolution},
  year={2006},
  pages={372-378},
  booktitle={Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on the Evolution of Language},
  url={http://www.isrl.uiuc.edu/~amag/langev/paper/zeevat06grammaticalisation.html}
}

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