The Necessity of Syntax

[Steve Long]

In a message dated 12/9/02 7:31:00 PM, wilcox at UNM.EDU writes:
<< Not to mention that function itself is pretty slippery. The ribbing
pattern on mollusk shells is probably a result of interference patterns in
the growing shell, but a secondary effect is that the ribs can become
functional (emergent function) when they act as anchors when mollusks burrow
in the mud. The ribs are not motivated by functional need. They may or may
not be shaped by function. But they certainly are functional. >>

Not all mollusks have ribbed patterns but those that do would continue to do
so if such patterns have a function.  If there is survival value in burrowing
in the mud, then we know some structural feature that promotes such behavior
becomes more likely to persist.  The function of many paleo-forms must be
guessed at because we really do not understand their environment.  But the
assumption is that a particular structure had a particular function.  There
may be shifts in function.  But functionless structure does not arise in
anticipation of any kind of destiny.  In human language, many biological
features give no appearance of having served any other function than
communication.

Biological mutations are random, but the selection process is not.  The
environment will favor those variations whose outcome is the survival.  That
is basic functionality.

In language, accidental structure or conscious divergence from the norm may
be the raw material of change, but such things would become part of the
language system only if they spread and persist.  Since the spread of change
can only happen in the course of communication (i.e., must involve both
speakers and listeners), and since the spread logically cannot occur if
communication does not occur,  communicative value would presumably be the
basic test of whether a change will spread or not.  Any change that defeats
communication should not occur -- it is dysfunctional.

<<Darwinian evolution is selectionist. But selectionist models don't have to
rely on natural selection. Neural Darwinisn (Gerald Edelman) is a somatic
selection account of brain development and function;>>

Natural selection is a term applied to the general process that gives rise to
biological traits.  Edelman's model uses Darwinian principles to describe how
the brain selects "functional" ideas from non-functional ones.  My point was
that whether a language feature is naturally selected or culturally selected,
what will be selected is the structure that promotes the function of
communication.  Some special language structures (e.g., complex vocal cords)
are biological, others are cultural.  In both cases, the overriding function
being served which shaped the structure would be communication.

Steve Long