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The emergence of language differences in artificial codes

Author

Listed:
  • Fuhai Hong

    (Nanyang Technological University)

  • Xiaojian Zhao

    (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

The paper studies how common codes of artificial language in communication are developed in the laboratory. We find that codes emerging from an environment with more variable spatial positions tend to use a limited set of symbols to represent positions, whereas codes emerging from an environment with more variable geometric shapes tend to discriminate among shapes. The paper also experimentally shows that “language” affects the way its “speakers” share the view about a novel figure.

Suggested Citation

  • Fuhai Hong & Xiaojian Zhao, 2017. "The emergence of language differences in artificial codes," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 20(4), pages 924-945, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:expeco:v:20:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s10683-017-9518-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10683-017-9518-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giovanna Devetag & Andreas Ortmann, 2007. "When and why? A critical survey on coordination failure in the laboratory," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 10(3), pages 331-344, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Houser, Daniel & Yang, Yang, 2024. "Learning language: An experiment," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 547-559.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Communication games; Coordination; Economics of language;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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