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Abstract

Many theories of language evolution assume a selection pressure for the communication of propositional content. However, if the content of such utterances is of value then information sharing is altruistic, in that it provides a benefit to others at possible expense to oneself. Close consideration of cross-disciplinary evidence suggests that speaking is in fact selfish, in that the speaker receives a direct payoff when successful communication takes place. This is congruent with the orthodox view of animal communication, and it is suggested that future research be conducted within this context.

@inproceedings{phillips06evolang,
  author={Thomas C. Scott-Phillips},
  title={Why talk? Speaking as selfish behaviour},
  year={2006},
  pages={299-306},
  booktitle={Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on the Evolution of Language},
  url={http://groups.lis.illinois.edu/amag/langev/paper/phillips06evolang.html}
}