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Authoritative: http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789814295222_0017   (Publisher's PDF... likely be available here.)

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Abstract

There is currently considerable disagreement about the value of different theoretical accounts that have been employed to explain the evolution of communication. In this paper, we review some of the core tenets of the 'adaptationist' and the 'informational' account. We argue that the former has its strength mainly in explaining the evolution of signals and the maintenance of honest signaling, while the latter is indispensible for understanding the cognitive mechanisms underpinning signal usage, structure, and comprehension. Importantly, the informational account that incorporates linguistic concepts is necessary prerequisite to identify which design features of language are shared with nonhuman primates or other animals, and which ones constitute derived traits specific for the human lineage.

@inproceedings{fischer2010evolangInformation,
  author={Julia Fischer and Kurt Hammerschmidt},
  title={Information and influence in animal communication},
  year={2010},
  pages={129-136},
  editor={Andrew D. M. Smith and Marieke Schouwstra and Bart de Boer and Kenny Smith},
  publisher={World Scientific},
  booktitle={Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on the Evolution of Language},
  doi={10.1142/9789814295222_0017},
  url={http://groups.lis.illinois.edu/amag/langev/paper/fischer2010evolangInformation.html}
}