Process-based modelling shows how climate and demography shape language diversity
Nenhuma Miniatura disponĂvel
Data
2017
TĂtulo da Revista
ISSN da Revista
TĂtulo de Volume
Editor
Resumo
Aim Two fundamental questions about human language demand answers: why
are so many languages spoken today and why is their geographical distribution
so uneven? Although hypotheses have been proposed for centuries, the
processes that determine patterns of linguistic and cultural diversity remain
poorly understood. Previous studies, which relied on correlative, curve-fitting
approaches, have produced contradictory results. Here we present the first
application of process-based simulation modelling, derived from macroecology,
to examine the distribution of human groups and their languages.
Location The Australian continent is used as a case study to demonstrate the
power of simulation modelling for identifying processes shaping the diversity
and distribution of human languages.
Methods Process-based simulation models allow investigators to hold certain
factors constant in order to isolate and assess the impact of modelled
processes. We tested the extent to which a minimal set of processes determines
the number and spatial distribution of languages on the Australian continent.
Our model made three basic assumptions based on previously proposed, but
untested, hypotheses: groups fill unoccupied spaces, rainfall limits population
density and groups divide after reaching a maximum population.
Results Remarkably, this simple model accurately predicted the total number
of languages (average estimate 406, observed 407), and explained 56% of
spatial variation in language richness on the Australian continent.
Main conclusions Our results present strong evidence that current climatic
conditions and limits to group size are important processes shaping language
diversity patterns in Australia. Our study also demonstrates how simulation
models from macroecology can be used to understand the processes that have
shaped human cultural diversity across the globe.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Culture, Simulation modelling, Language diversity, Macroecology
Citação
GAVIN, Michael C. et al. Process-based modelling shows how climate and demography shape language diversity. Global Ecology and Biogeography, Hoboken, v. 26, n. 5, p. 584-591, 2017. DOI: 10.1111/geb.12563. DisponĂvel em: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/geb.12563. Acesso em: 31 ago. 2023.