Modelling generation and sharing of novel expressions and meanings in symbolic communication
Symbolic communication is a dynamic process involving both generation and sharing of novel expressions and meanings. In order to understand the mechanism of the dynamic process, we construct a computational model of communicative agents, which realise the generation and sharing. Our proposed model is a hybrid system of a discrete symbol processing system and a dynamical system processing continuous variables. The former is implemented by a rewriting rule system and the latter by a neural network. We found that the communication processes in this model was classified into three types: non-generative, partially-generative, and generative. In the generative type, the generation of novel utterances and meanings is realised. We show that the novel utterances are generated through linguistic analogy which is to extend application of rewriting rules in individual's knowledge in the symbolic system. We also indicate that the neural network is structured in communication and shows dynamic change of dynamical states, which contributes to the generation of novel meanings.
generation symbolic communication dynamical system rewriting rule system neural network linguistic analogy dynamics of communication constructive approach sense-making linguistic creativity