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Evolution of language: An empirical study at eBay Big Data Lab

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  • David Bodoff
  • Ron Bekkerman
  • Julie Dai

Abstract

The evolutionary theory of language predicts that a language will tend towards fewer synonyms for a given object. We subject this and related predictions to empirical tests, using data from the eBay Big Data Lab which let us access all records of the words used by eBay vendors in their item titles, and by consumers in their searches. We find support for the predictions of the evolutionary theory of language. In particular, the mapping from object to words sharpens over time on both sides of the market, i.e. among consumers and among vendors. In addition, the word mappings used on the two sides of the market become more similar over time. Our research contributes to the literature on language evolution by reporting results of a truly unique large-scale empirical study.

Suggested Citation

  • David Bodoff & Ron Bekkerman & Julie Dai, 2017. "Evolution of language: An empirical study at eBay Big Data Lab," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(12), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0189107
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189107
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Chong Ho Yu, 2018. "Limitations and Prospects of Skyrmsian Evolutionary Game Theory in the Perspectives of Genotype Phenotype Mapping and Evolutionary Psychology," International Journal of Applied and Physical Sciences, Dr K.Vivehananthan, vol. 4(3), pages 81-91.

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