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Trade and ethnolinguistic differences: A replication and extension

Author

Listed:
  • Javier Gonzalez
  • Ömer Özak

Abstract

We revisit the role of trade on long‐run inter‐ethnic linguistic differences. Dickens (2022) hypothesized that neighboring languages are more similar when agriculture provides potential gains from inter‐ethnic trade. Since his empirical approach confounds inter‐ and intra‐ethnic trade, we replicate his main analysis using improved measures of potential inter‐ethnic gains from trade. Our results confirm the role of trade in inter‐ethnic linguistic differences while showing the difficulty of disentangling the role of inter‐ versus intra‐ethnic trade. We also provide an open‐source computational framework to replicate both sets of results, which others can use to produce original replicable economic research.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Gonzalez & Ömer Özak, 2026. "Trade and ethnolinguistic differences: A replication and extension," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 64(1), pages 38-53, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:64:y:2026:i:1:p:38-53
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.13269
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alberto Alesina & Eliana La Ferrara, 2005. "Ethnic Diversity and Economic Performance," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 43(3), pages 762-800, September.
    2. Assaf Sarid & Oded Galor, "undated". "Geographical Origins and Economic Consequences of Language Structures," Working Papers WP2017/4, University of Haifa, Department of Economics.
    3. Oded Galor & Ömer Özak & Assaf Sarid, 2018. "Geographical Roots of the Coevolution of Cultural and Linguistic Traits," NBER Working Papers 25289, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Depetris-Chauvin, Emilio & Özak, Ömer, 2019. "Borderline Disorder: (De facto) Historical Ethnic Borders and Contemporary Conflict in Africa," MPRA Paper 110197, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised Sep 2021.
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    6. Daron Acemoglu & Leopoldo Fergusson & Simon Johnson, 2020. "Population and Conflict," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 87(4), pages 1565-1604.
    7. Oded Galor & Ömer Özak, 2016. "The Agricultural Origins of Time Preference," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 106(10), pages 3064-3103, October.
    8. Oded Galor & Omer Ozak, 2015. "Land Productivity and Economic Development: Caloric Suitability vs. Agricultural Suitability," Working Papers 2015-5, Brown University, Department of Economics.
    9. Stelios Michalopoulos, 2012. "The Origins of Ethnolinguistic Diversity," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 102(4), pages 1508-1539, June.
    10. William Easterly & Ross Levine, 1997. "Africa's Growth Tragedy: Policies and Ethnic Divisions," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 112(4), pages 1203-1250.
    11. Andrew Dickens, 2022. "Understanding Ethnolinguistic Differences: The Roles of Geography and Trade," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 132(643), pages 953-980.
    12. repec:osf:socarx:375db_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    13. repec:osf:socarx:me2g7_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    14. Arthur Blouin & Julian Dyer, 2021. "How Cultures Converge: An Empirical Investigation of Trade and Linguistic Exchange," Working Papers tecipa-691, University of Toronto, Department of Economics.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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