  In this paper, we claim that language is likely to have emerged as a
mechanism for coordinating the solution of complex tasks. To confirm this
thesis, computer simulations are performed based on the coordination task
presented by Garrod & Anderson (1987). The role of success in task-oriented
dialogue is analytically evaluated with the help of performance measurements
and a thorough lexical analysis of the emergent communication system.
Simulation results confirm a strong effect of success mattering on both
reliability and dispersion of linguistic conventions.
