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A Simultaneous-Equation Regression Model of Language Complexity Trade-Offs

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  • Germán Coloma

Abstract

In this paper we develop a statistical model of language complexity trade-offs using four typological measures (related to phonology, morphology, syntax and lexicon). The data come from the 100-language sample that appears in the World Atlas of Language Structures (WALS), and the trade-offs are calculated using different types of correlation coefficients. All those coefficients are statistically insignificant when they are computed using a standard (product-moment) methodology, but they become significant when we use simultaneous-equation regression methods, especially the ones based on seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) and three-stage least squares (3SLS). These results are related to ideas suggested in the theoretical literature, especially in the one about language as a complex adaptive system.

Suggested Citation

  • Germán Coloma, 2016. "A Simultaneous-Equation Regression Model of Language Complexity Trade-Offs," CEMA Working Papers: Serie Documentos de Trabajo. 597, Universidad del CEMA.
    • Handle: RePEc:cem:doctra:597
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