Linguistics and Languages

Expansion by migration and diffusion by contact is a source to the global diversity of linguistic nominal categorization systems

M. Allassonnière-tang, O. Lundgren, et al.

Explore how geographical proximity influences language features! This research by Marc Allassonnière-Tang and colleagues uncovers the dynamics of linguistic patterns through diffusion and expansion, revealing that gender systems expand while classifiers diffuse. A fascinating look into the mechanics of language evolution, this study reshapes our understanding of linguistic connection.

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Abstract

Languages geographically close tend to share common patterns, explained by either horizontal diffusibility (language contact) or vertical heritability (genealogical descent). This study proposes that global feature distribution is explained by feature diffusion (contact) and language expansion (migration of related languages). Using nominal classification systems (gender, noun class, classifier) as a case study, it shows that grammaticalized systems (gender) spread more via expansion, while less grammaticalized systems (classifiers) spread more via diffusion. Quantitative models of feature diffusibility and stability are affected by language expansion.

Publisher

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Published On

Dec 21, 2021

Authors

Marc Allassonnière-Tang, Olof Lundgren, Maja Robbers, Sandra Cronhamn, Filip Larsson, One-Soon Her, Harald Hammarström, Gerd Carling

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