On Modeling Proto-Imitation in a Pre-associative Babel

Abstract

Abstract. In this paper we present a model of generative proto-imitation that replicates external signals without associating with objects, as in higher-level imitation. A mixed population of adults, that have fixed associations objectssignals, and infants, that do not have associations but imitate unconditionally, endowed with a kinship and interaction structure, allows infants to develop signal affinity with their kin in a variety of conditions and within an initial random world, i.e. in a Babel. Our results indicate that the communicative value of imitation can be discovered after the basic apparatus is in place, rather than that communication is the end to which imitation is the means.

First Selectively Imitate Responses, Then Associate With Function

“…A teacher could elicit the proper responses to be learnt, however, by using specialized and/or personalized schemes that teach progressively intermediate responses that are closer to the spontaneous response of the subject or with the aid of special social interaction schemes, such as games between “fast” and “slow” learners, where the former act spontaneously as additional teachers to the latter. A series of simple computational experiments have verified these predictions [Tzafestas, 2008 , Tzafestas, (in preparation)]. Our predictions and results indicate that generative, non-goal-directed, proto-imitation may contribute to a number of phenomena involving successful social learning, as regularly expected, or social learning deficits, such as isolation of a slow learner that cannot learn all the necessary responses.…”

Parent oriented teacher selection causes language diversity

“…Yet another group consider language as a means to transfer meanings between individuals through signaling structures [8][9][10]. Assuming that language provides an evolutionary advantage, some evolutionary models are proposed [1,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18], some of which are game theoretical [19]. Information theoretical approaches predict that not only symbols but word formation is necessary in order to have efficient communication, which leads to basic grammatical rules [12,15].…”