Conceptual Complexity and the Evolution of the Lexicon

• DOI: 10.31237/osf.io/6c9n2
• Publication Date: 2018-07-02T11:04:49Z
• Authors: Molly Lewis
• Keywords: Language Evolution

Natural languages are filled with regularities. Where do these regularities come from? A parsimonious explanation is that emerge as a consequence of pressures within the broader context in which language used: Communication among many cognitive systems. In this dissertation, I consider one particular regularity case study how dynamics use might shape structure. Specifically, focus on bias natural to map long words conceptually complex meanings and short simple meanings, or complexity bias. Across series experimental corpus studies, explore whether their speakers have bias, what conceptual is, lead over course evolution. final chapter, range linguistic phenomena examine aspects influence structures.