Spatial Evolution of Human Dialects
Spatial Evolution of Human Dialects
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DOI：
10.1103/physrevx.7.031008
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发表时间：
2017-07-17
影响因子：
12.5
通讯作者：
Burridge, James
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Burridge, James
人类方言的地理格局是历史的结果。在这里，我们建立了一个简单的语言变化的空间模型，该模型表明这种历史演变的最终结果在某种程度上是可以预测的。该模型表明，语言方言区域的边界受到类似于表面张力的长度最小化效应的控制，受人口密度变化（可能引起曲率）和海岸线形状或类似边界的调节。方言区域的可预测性之所以出现，是因为这些影响会驱使许多复杂的、随机的早期状态走向少数稳定的最终配置之一。该模型能够再现方言学家的观察和预测。这些包括方言连续性，等音域捆绑，扇形，方言特征从城市的波状传播，以及人类运动对一个地区可以支持的方言数量的影响。该模型还提供了Seguy曲线的分析形式，给出了地理距离和语言距离之间的关系，并对曲线进行了一般化，以解释人口中心的存在。一个简单的修改使我们能够分析地描述一个正在经历语言变化的地区的语言使用随年龄的变化。
The geographical pattern of human dialects is a result of history. Here, we formulate a simple spatial model of language change which shows that the final result of this historical evolution may, to some extent, be predictable. The model shows that the boundaries of language dialect regions are controlled by a length minimizing effect analogous to surface tension, mediated by variations in population density which can induce curvature, and by the shape of coastline or similar borders. The predictability of dialect regions arises because these effects will drive many complex, randomized early states toward one of a smaller number of stable final configurations. The model is able to reproduce observations and predictions of dialectologists. These include dialect continua, isogloss bundling, fanning, the wavelike spread of dialect features from cities, and the impact of human movement on the number of dialects that an area can support. The model also provides an analytical form for Seguy's curve giving the relationship between geographical and linguistic distance, and a generalization of the curve to account for the presence of a population center. A simple modification allows us to analytically characterize the variation of language use by age in an area undergoing linguistic change.