1

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Optimality Theoretic Pragmatics

Maria AloniReinhard Blutner

University of Amsterdam

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Part I Optimality Theoretic Pragmatics

The Cognitive Grounding

Part IIFossilized Pragmatics

Focus and accent

2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Outline (Part I)

1 Grice and his Followers Global and Local Theories of Pragmatics

2 Cognitive Motivation of Symmetryand Bidirection

3 The Idea of Fossilization

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

1Grice and his Followers

Global and Local Theories of Pragmatics

3

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Grice (1975)

Normative Stance Naturalistic Stance

Neo-GriceanTheories (Horn Atlas)

Relevance Theory

Presumptive Meanings

OT-Pragmatics

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Rejecting the doctrin of literalmeaning

Semantic Underdetermination (Atlas)ndash Linguistic meanings underdetermine the truth-

conditional contentndash Ambiguity vs semantic non-specificity

Contextualism ndash the suggestion that the mechanism of pragmatic

interpretation is crucial both for determining what the speaker says and what he means

Linguistic meaning ne what is said

4

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Global and local theories of NL interpretation

bull Global theories have a holistic character Often they refer to normative theories They are problematic as incremental processing models

bull Local theories can account for an incremental interpretation mechanism Often they refer to compositional automatized projection routines

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zeevat (discourse particles)

Van der Sandt Geurts

Presuppos

Neo-Gricean theories

Pragmatics

Relevance Theory Levinson 2000 Chierchia

Optimality Theoretic

Implicature

Early structuralism amp lexical field theoriesBidirectional optimi-zation

Montague semantics

Interpretive optimization (Hendriks amp de Hoop)

Semantics

OT syntaxconnectionism

Traditional generative syntax

Syntax

GlobalLocal

5

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Relevance Theory

Communicative Principle of Relevance

Utterances convey a presumption of their own optimal relevance

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What does it mean

Any given utterance can be presumed

ndash to be at least relevant enough to warrant the addresseersquos processing effort

ndash to be the most relevant one compatible with the speakerrsquos current state of knowledge and her personal preferences and goals

6

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Procedure

ndash test possible inter-pretations in their order of accessibility

ndash stop once the expectation of opti-mal relevance is satisfied

[EFFORT]

[EFFECT]

1234567

EFFORTEFFECT

middotmiddot

(cf Sperber Cara amp Girotto 1995 95)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Optimal InterpretationHendriks amp de Hoop The integration of pragmatic and syntacticsemantic informationin a system of ranked constraints in order to correctly derive the optimal interpretations

Suggestion by RT EFFECT gtgt EFFORT

ZeevatFaith gtgt Consistence gtgt Do not accommodate gtgt Strength

7

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Neo-Gricean Theories (Atlas Horn)

bull The Q-Principle (Hearer-based)ndash Say as much as you can (modulo R)

(Gricersquos first quantity maxim and the first two manner maxims)

bull The R-Principle (Speaker-based)ndash Say not more than you must (modulo Q)

(Gricersquos second quantity maxim relation maxim and the second two manner maxims)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak Bidirectionalitylangf mrang is weakly optimal (= super-optimal) iff

a langf mrang isin GENb there is no weakly optimal langfrsquo mrang isin GEN

such that langfrsquo mrang gt langf mrangc there is no weakly optimal langf mrsquo rang isin GEN

such that langf mrsquo rang gt langf mrang

This is an abstract scheme (Jaumlger 2002) The content of the ordering relation ldquogtrdquo is

determined by the system of constraints

8

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Example

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

siMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

f1

f2

m1 m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Levinsonlsquos Presumptive Meaningsbull Presumptive meanings are a matter of

preferred interpretation calculated by a particular default mechanism

bull Presumptive meanings are localbull Three heuristics

ndash Q-heuristic What isnrsquot said is not the casendash I-heuristic What is expressed simply is

stereotypically exemplifiedndash M-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way

isnrsquot normal

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Outline (Part I)

1 Grice and his Followers Global and Local Theories of Pragmatics

2 Cognitive Motivation of Symmetryand Bidirection

3 The Idea of Fossilization

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

1Grice and his Followers

Global and Local Theories of Pragmatics

3

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Grice (1975)

Normative Stance Naturalistic Stance

Neo-GriceanTheories (Horn Atlas)

Relevance Theory

Presumptive Meanings

OT-Pragmatics

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Rejecting the doctrin of literalmeaning

Semantic Underdetermination (Atlas)ndash Linguistic meanings underdetermine the truth-

conditional contentndash Ambiguity vs semantic non-specificity

Contextualism ndash the suggestion that the mechanism of pragmatic

interpretation is crucial both for determining what the speaker says and what he means

Linguistic meaning ne what is said

4

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Global and local theories of NL interpretation

bull Global theories have a holistic character Often they refer to normative theories They are problematic as incremental processing models

bull Local theories can account for an incremental interpretation mechanism Often they refer to compositional automatized projection routines

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zeevat (discourse particles)

Van der Sandt Geurts

Presuppos

Neo-Gricean theories

Pragmatics

Relevance Theory Levinson 2000 Chierchia

Optimality Theoretic

Implicature

Early structuralism amp lexical field theoriesBidirectional optimi-zation

Montague semantics

Interpretive optimization (Hendriks amp de Hoop)

Semantics

OT syntaxconnectionism

Traditional generative syntax

Syntax

GlobalLocal

5

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Relevance Theory

Communicative Principle of Relevance

Utterances convey a presumption of their own optimal relevance

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What does it mean

Any given utterance can be presumed

ndash to be at least relevant enough to warrant the addresseersquos processing effort

ndash to be the most relevant one compatible with the speakerrsquos current state of knowledge and her personal preferences and goals

6

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Procedure

ndash test possible inter-pretations in their order of accessibility

ndash stop once the expectation of opti-mal relevance is satisfied

[EFFORT]

[EFFECT]

1234567

EFFORTEFFECT

middotmiddot

(cf Sperber Cara amp Girotto 1995 95)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Optimal InterpretationHendriks amp de Hoop The integration of pragmatic and syntacticsemantic informationin a system of ranked constraints in order to correctly derive the optimal interpretations

Suggestion by RT EFFECT gtgt EFFORT

ZeevatFaith gtgt Consistence gtgt Do not accommodate gtgt Strength

7

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Neo-Gricean Theories (Atlas Horn)

bull The Q-Principle (Hearer-based)ndash Say as much as you can (modulo R)

(Gricersquos first quantity maxim and the first two manner maxims)

bull The R-Principle (Speaker-based)ndash Say not more than you must (modulo Q)

(Gricersquos second quantity maxim relation maxim and the second two manner maxims)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak Bidirectionalitylangf mrang is weakly optimal (= super-optimal) iff

a langf mrang isin GENb there is no weakly optimal langfrsquo mrang isin GEN

such that langfrsquo mrang gt langf mrangc there is no weakly optimal langf mrsquo rang isin GEN

such that langf mrsquo rang gt langf mrang

This is an abstract scheme (Jaumlger 2002) The content of the ordering relation ldquogtrdquo is

determined by the system of constraints

8

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Example

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

siMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

f1

f2

m1 m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Levinsonlsquos Presumptive Meaningsbull Presumptive meanings are a matter of

preferred interpretation calculated by a particular default mechanism

bull Presumptive meanings are localbull Three heuristics

ndash Q-heuristic What isnrsquot said is not the casendash I-heuristic What is expressed simply is

stereotypically exemplifiedndash M-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way

isnrsquot normal

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

3

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Grice (1975)

Normative Stance Naturalistic Stance

Neo-GriceanTheories (Horn Atlas)

Relevance Theory

Presumptive Meanings

OT-Pragmatics

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Rejecting the doctrin of literalmeaning

Semantic Underdetermination (Atlas)ndash Linguistic meanings underdetermine the truth-

conditional contentndash Ambiguity vs semantic non-specificity

Contextualism ndash the suggestion that the mechanism of pragmatic

interpretation is crucial both for determining what the speaker says and what he means

Linguistic meaning ne what is said

4

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Global and local theories of NL interpretation

bull Global theories have a holistic character Often they refer to normative theories They are problematic as incremental processing models

bull Local theories can account for an incremental interpretation mechanism Often they refer to compositional automatized projection routines

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zeevat (discourse particles)

Van der Sandt Geurts

Presuppos

Neo-Gricean theories

Pragmatics

Relevance Theory Levinson 2000 Chierchia

Optimality Theoretic

Implicature

Early structuralism amp lexical field theoriesBidirectional optimi-zation

Montague semantics

Interpretive optimization (Hendriks amp de Hoop)

Semantics

OT syntaxconnectionism

Traditional generative syntax

Syntax

GlobalLocal

5

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Relevance Theory

Communicative Principle of Relevance

Utterances convey a presumption of their own optimal relevance

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What does it mean

Any given utterance can be presumed

ndash to be at least relevant enough to warrant the addresseersquos processing effort

ndash to be the most relevant one compatible with the speakerrsquos current state of knowledge and her personal preferences and goals

6

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Procedure

ndash test possible inter-pretations in their order of accessibility

ndash stop once the expectation of opti-mal relevance is satisfied

[EFFORT]

[EFFECT]

1234567

EFFORTEFFECT

middotmiddot

(cf Sperber Cara amp Girotto 1995 95)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Optimal InterpretationHendriks amp de Hoop The integration of pragmatic and syntacticsemantic informationin a system of ranked constraints in order to correctly derive the optimal interpretations

Suggestion by RT EFFECT gtgt EFFORT

ZeevatFaith gtgt Consistence gtgt Do not accommodate gtgt Strength

7

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Neo-Gricean Theories (Atlas Horn)

bull The Q-Principle (Hearer-based)ndash Say as much as you can (modulo R)

(Gricersquos first quantity maxim and the first two manner maxims)

bull The R-Principle (Speaker-based)ndash Say not more than you must (modulo Q)

(Gricersquos second quantity maxim relation maxim and the second two manner maxims)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak Bidirectionalitylangf mrang is weakly optimal (= super-optimal) iff

a langf mrang isin GENb there is no weakly optimal langfrsquo mrang isin GEN

such that langfrsquo mrang gt langf mrangc there is no weakly optimal langf mrsquo rang isin GEN

such that langf mrsquo rang gt langf mrang

This is an abstract scheme (Jaumlger 2002) The content of the ordering relation ldquogtrdquo is

determined by the system of constraints

8

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Example

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

siMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

f1

f2

m1 m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Levinsonlsquos Presumptive Meaningsbull Presumptive meanings are a matter of

preferred interpretation calculated by a particular default mechanism

bull Presumptive meanings are localbull Three heuristics

ndash Q-heuristic What isnrsquot said is not the casendash I-heuristic What is expressed simply is

stereotypically exemplifiedndash M-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way

isnrsquot normal

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

4

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Global and local theories of NL interpretation

bull Global theories have a holistic character Often they refer to normative theories They are problematic as incremental processing models

bull Local theories can account for an incremental interpretation mechanism Often they refer to compositional automatized projection routines

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zeevat (discourse particles)

Van der Sandt Geurts

Presuppos

Neo-Gricean theories

Pragmatics

Relevance Theory Levinson 2000 Chierchia

Optimality Theoretic

Implicature

Early structuralism amp lexical field theoriesBidirectional optimi-zation

Montague semantics

Interpretive optimization (Hendriks amp de Hoop)

Semantics

OT syntaxconnectionism

Traditional generative syntax

Syntax

GlobalLocal

5

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Relevance Theory

Communicative Principle of Relevance

Utterances convey a presumption of their own optimal relevance

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What does it mean

Any given utterance can be presumed

ndash to be at least relevant enough to warrant the addresseersquos processing effort

ndash to be the most relevant one compatible with the speakerrsquos current state of knowledge and her personal preferences and goals

6

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Procedure

ndash test possible inter-pretations in their order of accessibility

ndash stop once the expectation of opti-mal relevance is satisfied

[EFFORT]

[EFFECT]

1234567

EFFORTEFFECT

middotmiddot

(cf Sperber Cara amp Girotto 1995 95)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Optimal InterpretationHendriks amp de Hoop The integration of pragmatic and syntacticsemantic informationin a system of ranked constraints in order to correctly derive the optimal interpretations

Suggestion by RT EFFECT gtgt EFFORT

ZeevatFaith gtgt Consistence gtgt Do not accommodate gtgt Strength

7

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Neo-Gricean Theories (Atlas Horn)

bull The Q-Principle (Hearer-based)ndash Say as much as you can (modulo R)

(Gricersquos first quantity maxim and the first two manner maxims)

bull The R-Principle (Speaker-based)ndash Say not more than you must (modulo Q)

(Gricersquos second quantity maxim relation maxim and the second two manner maxims)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak Bidirectionalitylangf mrang is weakly optimal (= super-optimal) iff

a langf mrang isin GENb there is no weakly optimal langfrsquo mrang isin GEN

such that langfrsquo mrang gt langf mrangc there is no weakly optimal langf mrsquo rang isin GEN

such that langf mrsquo rang gt langf mrang

This is an abstract scheme (Jaumlger 2002) The content of the ordering relation ldquogtrdquo is

determined by the system of constraints

8

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Example

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

siMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

f1

f2

m1 m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Levinsonlsquos Presumptive Meaningsbull Presumptive meanings are a matter of

preferred interpretation calculated by a particular default mechanism

bull Presumptive meanings are localbull Three heuristics

ndash Q-heuristic What isnrsquot said is not the casendash I-heuristic What is expressed simply is

stereotypically exemplifiedndash M-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way

isnrsquot normal

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

5

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Relevance Theory

Communicative Principle of Relevance

Utterances convey a presumption of their own optimal relevance

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What does it mean

Any given utterance can be presumed

ndash to be at least relevant enough to warrant the addresseersquos processing effort

ndash to be the most relevant one compatible with the speakerrsquos current state of knowledge and her personal preferences and goals

6

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Procedure

ndash test possible inter-pretations in their order of accessibility

ndash stop once the expectation of opti-mal relevance is satisfied

[EFFORT]

[EFFECT]

1234567

EFFORTEFFECT

middotmiddot

(cf Sperber Cara amp Girotto 1995 95)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Optimal InterpretationHendriks amp de Hoop The integration of pragmatic and syntacticsemantic informationin a system of ranked constraints in order to correctly derive the optimal interpretations

Suggestion by RT EFFECT gtgt EFFORT

ZeevatFaith gtgt Consistence gtgt Do not accommodate gtgt Strength

7

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Neo-Gricean Theories (Atlas Horn)

bull The Q-Principle (Hearer-based)ndash Say as much as you can (modulo R)

(Gricersquos first quantity maxim and the first two manner maxims)

bull The R-Principle (Speaker-based)ndash Say not more than you must (modulo Q)

(Gricersquos second quantity maxim relation maxim and the second two manner maxims)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak Bidirectionalitylangf mrang is weakly optimal (= super-optimal) iff

a langf mrang isin GENb there is no weakly optimal langfrsquo mrang isin GEN

such that langfrsquo mrang gt langf mrangc there is no weakly optimal langf mrsquo rang isin GEN

such that langf mrsquo rang gt langf mrang

This is an abstract scheme (Jaumlger 2002) The content of the ordering relation ldquogtrdquo is

determined by the system of constraints

8

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Example

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

siMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

f1

f2

m1 m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Levinsonlsquos Presumptive Meaningsbull Presumptive meanings are a matter of

preferred interpretation calculated by a particular default mechanism

bull Presumptive meanings are localbull Three heuristics

ndash Q-heuristic What isnrsquot said is not the casendash I-heuristic What is expressed simply is

stereotypically exemplifiedndash M-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way

isnrsquot normal

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

6

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Procedure

ndash test possible inter-pretations in their order of accessibility

ndash stop once the expectation of opti-mal relevance is satisfied

[EFFORT]

[EFFECT]

1234567

EFFORTEFFECT

middotmiddot

(cf Sperber Cara amp Girotto 1995 95)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Optimal InterpretationHendriks amp de Hoop The integration of pragmatic and syntacticsemantic informationin a system of ranked constraints in order to correctly derive the optimal interpretations

Suggestion by RT EFFECT gtgt EFFORT

ZeevatFaith gtgt Consistence gtgt Do not accommodate gtgt Strength

7

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Neo-Gricean Theories (Atlas Horn)

bull The Q-Principle (Hearer-based)ndash Say as much as you can (modulo R)

(Gricersquos first quantity maxim and the first two manner maxims)

bull The R-Principle (Speaker-based)ndash Say not more than you must (modulo Q)

(Gricersquos second quantity maxim relation maxim and the second two manner maxims)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak Bidirectionalitylangf mrang is weakly optimal (= super-optimal) iff

a langf mrang isin GENb there is no weakly optimal langfrsquo mrang isin GEN

such that langfrsquo mrang gt langf mrangc there is no weakly optimal langf mrsquo rang isin GEN

such that langf mrsquo rang gt langf mrang

This is an abstract scheme (Jaumlger 2002) The content of the ordering relation ldquogtrdquo is

determined by the system of constraints

8

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Example

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

siMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

f1

f2

m1 m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Levinsonlsquos Presumptive Meaningsbull Presumptive meanings are a matter of

preferred interpretation calculated by a particular default mechanism

bull Presumptive meanings are localbull Three heuristics

ndash Q-heuristic What isnrsquot said is not the casendash I-heuristic What is expressed simply is

stereotypically exemplifiedndash M-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way

isnrsquot normal

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

7

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Neo-Gricean Theories (Atlas Horn)

bull The Q-Principle (Hearer-based)ndash Say as much as you can (modulo R)

(Gricersquos first quantity maxim and the first two manner maxims)

bull The R-Principle (Speaker-based)ndash Say not more than you must (modulo Q)

(Gricersquos second quantity maxim relation maxim and the second two manner maxims)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak Bidirectionalitylangf mrang is weakly optimal (= super-optimal) iff

a langf mrang isin GENb there is no weakly optimal langfrsquo mrang isin GEN

such that langfrsquo mrang gt langf mrangc there is no weakly optimal langf mrsquo rang isin GEN

such that langf mrsquo rang gt langf mrang

This is an abstract scheme (Jaumlger 2002) The content of the ordering relation ldquogtrdquo is

determined by the system of constraints

8

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Example

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

siMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

f1

f2

m1 m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Levinsonlsquos Presumptive Meaningsbull Presumptive meanings are a matter of

preferred interpretation calculated by a particular default mechanism

bull Presumptive meanings are localbull Three heuristics

ndash Q-heuristic What isnrsquot said is not the casendash I-heuristic What is expressed simply is

stereotypically exemplifiedndash M-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way

isnrsquot normal

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

8

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Example

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

siMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

f1

f2

m1 m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Levinsonlsquos Presumptive Meaningsbull Presumptive meanings are a matter of

preferred interpretation calculated by a particular default mechanism

bull Presumptive meanings are localbull Three heuristics

ndash Q-heuristic What isnrsquot said is not the casendash I-heuristic What is expressed simply is

stereotypically exemplifiedndash M-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way

isnrsquot normal

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

9

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

What are the heuristics

siM

FrarrM

FrarrM

FrarrM

langf2 m2ranglangf2 m1rang

langf1 m2ranglangf1 m1rang

FrarrMsiF

siF prefer short formssiM prefer stereotypical meanings

I-heuristic What is expressed simply is stereotypically exemplifiedM-heuristic Whatrsquos said in an abnormal way isnrsquot normal

I-heur

M-heurAnti-I

Anti-M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

ComparisonNeo-Griceanglobal theory

bidirection optimizationsiFsiM

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Levinson (2000)local theory

unidirectional optimizationI M

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

10

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Conclusions

Relevance TheoryLevinson (2000)

Neo-GriceanTheory

Unidirectional OTBidirectional OT

Local TheoriesGlobal Theories

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

2Cognitive motivation of

symmetry and bidirection

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

11

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetric OT-systemsbull Symmetric system If f m (optimal

interpretation) then m f (optimal expression)

bull For symmetric systems unidirectionaloptimization gives the same solutions as bidirectional optimization and vice versa

f1f2

m1m2

f1f2

m1m2

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The symmetry testbull A set of pairs of patterns (Ai Bi) are

repeatedly presented When one member of the pair is presented the subject has to learn to produce the other Assume a 1-1 correspondence between A and B

bull If subjects are qualified to match Stimulus A to B and then without further training match B to A they have passed a test of symmetry

lop

raf

kas

lop

raf

kas

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

12

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Findings

bull Children as young as 2 years pass the symmetry test (Green 1990)

bull Chimps do not show symmetry (see Savage-Rumbaugh 1984)

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Symmetry between languageproduction and comprehension

bull Normally we can understand the sentences we producendash Exceptions are very rare

bull In most cases we can produce the sentences we understandndash Typical exceptions in language acquisition Childrenlsquos

ability in production lags dramatically behind their ability in comprehension

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

13

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Two ways of deriving symmetrybull Symmetry as a result of the

network architecturendash In symmetric networks one

and the same pattern can be produced starting from different inputs

bull Symmetry as a result of learning ndash Tesarrsquos and Smolenskyrsquos

learning theory

A rarr BA larr B

Difference A-A triggers learning

∆

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

14

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Mirror neurons in the premotor cortexA mirror neuron is a neuron which fires bothwhen performing an actionand when observing the same action performedby another creature

bull Monkey grasp a nutbull Monkey sees how

another creaturegrasp a nut

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Weak bidirection and symmetrybull Rather than seeing weak bidirection as a online

interpretationproduction mechanism it shouldbe understood in terms of (iterated) learning(resulting in symmetric OT systems)

bull Suggestionndash Unidirectional OT (local theories) hArr Synchronic perspective

ndash (Weak) bidirection OT (global theories) hArr Diachronic perspective

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

15

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Zipf 1949bull Two basic and competing forces

ndash Speakerrsquos economy Force of unification Rndash Hearerrsquos economy Force of diversification Q

bull The two opposing economies are evolutionary forces ie they are balanced during language evolutionndash Languages are evolving via cultural rather than

biological transmission on a historical rather than genetic timescale

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

3The idea of fossilization

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

16

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

FossilizationGlobal Theories

bidirectional optimization

f1

f2

m1 m2f1

f2

m1 m2

Local Theoriesunidirectional optimization

Fossilization

Markedness constraintssiFsiM

Linking constraintsI M

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

(Iterated) Learning

m f mrsquoSpeaker Hearer

m = mrsquo

If yes nothing happens

If no adjustment- All constraints that favour (f m) over (f mrsquo) are promoted- All constraints that favour (f mrsquo) over (f m) are demoted

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

17

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Population in pairwiseinteraction

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

All possible strategies

Smolensky

AntiHorn

Horn

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

18

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

General Observationsbull Horn and Anti-Horn are the only strategies (OT-

systems) that are stable

bull Starting with a uniform Smolensky population the system will always move into

ndash a pure Horn population supposed P(m1) gt P(m1)

ndash a pure Anti-Horn population supposed P(m1) lt P(m1)

bull The same holds for mixed populations

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Joost Zwarts round in Englisha The postman ran round the block (in a circle)b The burglar drove round the barrier (to the opposite side)c The steeplechaser ran round the corner (to the other side)d The captain sailed round the lakee The tourist drove round the city centre

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

19

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

Strongest Meaning Hypothesis

detourorthogonalityinversion

completeness

StrengthConsistenceround the door

Lexicon round rarr Approx [Circle]

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

JZwaarts om and rond in Dutch

Ze zaten rond (om) de televisie

Een man stak zijn hoofd om(rond rondom) de deur

De auto reed om (rond rondom) het obstakel heen

het gebied rondom (om) hetstadje

a They sat round the television

b A man put his head round the door

c The drove round the obstacle

d the area round the little town

DETOUR ------------------------------------------------ CIRCLEom hellip strengthening rarr hellip larr weakening hellip rond

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

20

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The interplay between broadeningand narrowing

Zwartrsquos (2005)

bull If rond has some inter-pretation m then it has each stronger inter-pretation

bull If om has some inter-pretation m then it has each weaker interpretation

bull there is some overlap between om and rond

rond

om

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

The puzzle

bull the marked form (rond) conforms to the stronger (= preferred) meanings [hellip Circle]

bull the unmarked form (om) conforms to the weaker meanings [hellip DeTour]

bull This conflicts with weak bidirection and iconicity

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions

21

ZAS Workshop Berlin

Reinhard Blutner University of Amsterdam May 2007

bull Local theories ndash unidirectional optimizationndash Synchronic view

bull Global theories ndash bidirectional optimizationndash Diachronic view

bull Weak bidirection as (lexical) fossilizationndash Fossilization = lsquoroutinizationrsquo of implicatures

4Conclusions