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Language is a super-attractor: Does it evolve through subjective selection?

  • Institut Jean-Nicod

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract (may include machine translation)

Language exemplifies Singh’s super-attractor concept while testing the explanatory limits of subjective selection, which is just one of the processes of cultural evolution. Subjective selection explains many linguistic features through speakers’ instrumental goals. However, other types of processes also shape language evolution: some, related to learning and perception, for instance, will not involve intentions or conscious selection. Others involve intentionally creating and transforming linguistic constructions rather than merely selecting them from random mutations.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere296
JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences
Volume49
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Jul 2026

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