| The thesis of this dissertation is that languages emerged through local and random interactions among hominids. In this framework, neither language genes nor language modules in the brain are necessary for humans to have language. In 1980's, scientists who were finally equipped with modern mathematics and powerful computers were able to investigate complex phenomena in nature. They found that Newtonian determinism and Cartesian reductionism were not able to explain intrinsically chaotic dynamics of the Universe. Instead, they found that patterns spontaneously emerge through interactions among agents without preordained design or top-down control. Their discovery is today called chaos theory, complexity theory, emergentism, etc.; This dissertation investigates the process of language emergence based on the principles of Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS). Investigating the compatibility of language evolution with these principles allows the conclusion that languages are CAS's. Evidence is drawn from computer simulation studies, pidgin and creole studies, sign language studies, and historical linguistics. Biological, psychological, and social conditions for language emergence are also described. |
