Difference, Non-correspondence and the Material Contexts of Sociality

Summary

Human beings use three signalling systems, words, actions and material which differ in their replication rates, the degree to which the signals persist and their magnitude. Speech replicates rapidly and transmits a signal over a small distance that last only briefly. Action in the form of positioning and gestures replicates more slowly and can carry its signal for somewhat longer. Material by contrast is replicated more slowly, sometimes very slowly. Material signals, such as the dimensions of buildings, can also be very durable and massive. An event may be expressed in all three kinds of signals but each records a different aspect and hence a complementary difference. In addition, versions of speech can be recorded materially. Several profound operational outcomes derive from the differing replication rates, durability and magnitude. Because copying error is a function of replication rate, changes cumulates in the various signal systems differentially and they cannot therefore assuredly remain in synchrony with each other. Differing physical durability creates differing degrees of inertia in cultural phenomena leading to varying degrees to which sociality can manipulate or change material features, such as infrastructure. Signal non-correspondence and the risks of operational dissonance are therefore inherent to cultural evolution.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)   •
• Difference in Archaeological Theory and Practise

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