Language Evolution

My scientific work concerns the origin and evolution of language, and the unique ways that culture and biology interact in our species. I have pioneered a new approach to understanding cultural evolution of behaviours such as language which we call Iterated Learning. A number of research groups around the world - in addition to my own - are now studying Iterated Learning using techniques as diverse as mathematical modelling, computational simulation, and psychological experiments. My view is that a complete understanding of human nature requires an account of the complex interactions between individual learning, cultural transmission and biological evolution in human populations.

You can find out more at the webpages of the Centre for Language Evolution that I founded in Edinburgh, or in my publications.