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A world language family simulation

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  • Wichmann, Søren

Abstract

Following a methodological approach developed in collaboration with Dietrich Stauffer, some empirical observations on the dynamics of the world’s languages, in this case rates of language diffusion, are graphed and a computational model that might shed light on the underlying dynamics is developed. It is verified that it is possible to capture a similar kind of curve by simulating a spread of languages on a world landscape without any other assumptions than some simple parameters defining a semi-random walk and considering the world’s languages as belonging to a single family. It is found that the simple computational model can, indeed, go far in achieving realism with respect to the linguistic population of the globe throughout prehistory. Nevertheless, it is concluded that a model assuming multiple origins of the world’s languages is more probable.

Suggested Citation

  • Wichmann, Søren, 2021. "A world language family simulation," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 572(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:572:y:2021:i:c:s0378437121001850
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2021.125913
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Susanna C Manrubia & Jacob B Axelsen & Damián H Zanette, 2012. "Role of Demographic Dynamics and Conflict in the Population-Area Relationship for Human Languages," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-7, July.
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