On the evolutionary language game in structured and adaptive populations

We propose an evolutionary model for the emergence of shared linguistic convention in a population of agents whose social structure is modelled by complex networks. Through agent-based simulations, we show a process of convergence towards a common language, and explore how the topology of the underlying networks affects its dynamics. We find that small-world effects act to speed up convergence, but observe no effect of topology on the communicative efficiency of common languages. We further explore differences in agent learning, discriminating between scenarios in which new agents learn from their parents (vertical transmission) versus scenarios in which they learn from their neighbors (oblique transmission), finding that vertical transmission results in faster convergence and generally higher communicability. Optimal languages can be formed when parental learning is dominant, but a small amount of neighbor learning is included. As a last point, we illustrate an exclusion effect leading to core-periphery networks in an adaptive networks setting when agents attempt to reconnect towards better communicators in the population.

Automated summary

This study proposes an evolutionary model for the emergence of shared linguistic convention in a population of agents using complex networks. Through agent-based simulations, the study shows a process of convergence towards a common language and explores the impact of the underlying network topology on its dynamics. The study finds that small-world effects accelerate convergence but do not affect the communicative efficiency of common languages. Additionally, the study differentiates between vertical and oblique transmission as learning methods and concludes that vertical transmission leads to faster convergence and higher communicability. The study also demonstrates an exclusion effect in adaptive network settings where agents attempt to reconnect with better communicators, leading to the formation of core-periphery networks.