Responds to a previous article suggesting that the grammatical mode of communication arose via natural selection. It is concluded that such a theory provides concrete proposals concerning the selective advantages of some aspects of Universal Grammar. (JL)

Three computational models that track patterns in semantic change over time are described. The models were used to investigate whether certain word properties (e.g., frequency of use, accessibility) and the relationships between them would be sufficient in themselves to produce some patterns of change. (15 references) (MSE)

Responds to a previous article suggesting that the grammatical mode of communication arose via natural selection. It is suggested that this theory relies too much on Chomsky's notion of language. (JL)

Disagrees with a previous article suggesting that the grammatical mode of communication arose via natural selection. (JL)

Responds to a previous article suggesting that the grammatical mode of communication arose via natural selection. (JL)

Responds to a previous article suggesting that the grammatical mode of communication arose via natural selection, and argues that the nature of such a theory is based on a speculative philosophy. (JL)

Responds to a previous article suggesting that the grammatical mode of communication arose via natural selection. The response focuses on the emergence of why the subjacency condition of Universal Grammar emerged. (JL)

Responds positively to an earlier article that attempts to resolve the formalist-functionalist conflict in current linguistic theory. Concern is expressed, however, over the use of two terms, including genetic encoding and communication. (JL)

Suggests that not all linguists see the task of theory as relating meanings and sounds because placing meaning outside of language is to presuppose in one's description and explanation the very condition that languaging creates. If there is no meaning outside languaging, then languaging is not expressing, representing, or encoding anything, and…

Responds to a previous article on the conflict between formal and functionalist theories of language. Particular focus is on the endorsement that language is rooted in prior representational rather than communicative systems. (JL)

Responds to a previous article suggesting that the grammatical mode of communication arose via natural selection, concluding that such a theory of language is at best what a theory of language might be like if language had no linguistic consciousness. (JL)

In response to a previous article attempting to bridge the gap between formalist and functionalist theories of language, it is argued that the theory proposed compromises functional linguistics, which greatly lessons the value of such proposals. (JL)

Responding to the comments made by other linguists about a theory proposed on the origin of language, this paper refocuses on the issues presented in the first paper, namely the origins and evolution of language. (JL)

This discussion focuses on the formalist and functionalist views of language, which put forth conflicting theories as to the origins of language. It is concluded that this conflict can be resolved because central to language there exists an autonomous grammar shaped in part by natural selection. (JL)

Discusses the basic taxonomy of linguists, that is the differences between formalist and functionalist approaches, as suggested in a previous article, focusing on the implications of such a taxonomy. (JL)