What is the Atelier about?

The question of the origins and evolution of language is receiving growing attention in all disciplines that are interested in language, from linguistics and neurobiology to computer science and physics. This atelier examines whether it is possible to make scientific models of the processes that might lead to the emergence and evolution of language and to validate these models using computational or robotic experiments. The field of evolutionary linguistics is still in its infancy and there are many opportunities for great discoveries by aspiring graduate and PhD students and young researchers. This Summer Atelier will provide researchers with hands-on lectures, practical seminars and exercises to introduce them to this exciting new field.

What are the atelier objectives?

The atelier is embedded in the second International Summer School on Semiotic Dynamics in Erice (Sicily, Italy) and participants of this atelier can also fully participate in all lectures and events of that school. The objectives are:

1. The participants will receive a comprehensive introduction of the field. This includes many aspects of construction grammar and linguistic theory, symbolic programming, complex systems, etc.
2. The participants will learn how to design and implement experiments on the origins and evolution of language.
3. The participants will each work on a small project. They will present the results of their projects to a broader audience of scientists.

How can I participate?

In order to participate, you have to apply for registration. There will only be a limited number of accepted participants and priority is given to early responders. See the registration page for more details.

 

Acknowledgements

This event, as part of the European Science Foundation EUROCORES Programme OMLL, was supported by funds from the EC Sixth Framework Programme under Contract no. ERAS-CT-2003-980409.