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Theoretical model for the evolution of the linguistic diversity

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  • de Oliveira, Viviane M.
  • Gomes, M.A.F.
  • Tsang, I.R.

Abstract

Here we describe how some important scaling laws observed in the distribution of languages on Earth can emerge from a simple computer simulation. The proposed language dynamics includes processes of selective geographic colonization, linguistic anomalous diffusion and mutation, and interaction among populations that occupy different regions. It is found that the dependence of the linguistic diversity on the area after colonization displays two power law regimes, both described by critical exponents which are dependent on the mutation probability. Most importantly for the future prospect of world's population, our results show that the linguistic diversity always decrease to an asymptotic very small value if large areas and sufficiently long times of interaction among populations are considered.

Suggested Citation

  • de Oliveira, Viviane M. & Gomes, M.A.F. & Tsang, I.R., 2006. "Theoretical model for the evolution of the linguistic diversity," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 361(1), pages 361-370.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:361:y:2006:i:1:p:361-370
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2005.06.069
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gyllenberg, Mats & Koski, Timo & Verlaan, Martin, 1997. "Classification of Binary Vectors by Stochastic Complexity," Journal of Multivariate Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 63(1), pages 47-72, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yi-Ling, Wang & Gui-Qing, Zhang, 2013. "Optimal convergence in fame game with familiarity," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 222-226.
    2. An, Zhecheng & Pan, Qiuhui & Yu, Guangying & Wang, Zhen, 2012. "The spatial distribution of clusters and the formation of mixed languages in bilingual competition," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 391(20), pages 4943-4952.
    3. Santos, M.R.F. & Gomes, M.A.F., 2020. "A heuristic model for the scaling linguistic diversity-area," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 555(C).

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