Drivers of geographical patterns of North American language diversity

Proceedings of the Royal Society • Vol/Iss. 286(1899) • The Royal Society • • Published In • Pages: 1-9 •
By Cuelho, Mario Tulio Pacheco, Pereira, Eliza Barreto, Haynie, Hannah J., Rangel, Thaigo F., Kavanagh, Patrick, Kirby, Kathryn R. , Greenhill, Simon J. , Bowern, Claire, Gray, Russell D. , Colwell, Robert K., Evans, Nicholas, Gavin, Michael C.

Abstract

The authors examine multiple ecological variables as possible predictors of language diversity in North America using path analysis, mechanistic simulation modelling, and geographically weighted regression. They conclude that many of the variables do not predict language diversity, but rather are mediated by population density. The authors also find that the variables' ability to predict is not universal across the continent, but rather more regional.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Survey of California and Other Indian Languages

Hypotheses (8)

HypothesisSupported
River density will be a predictor of language diversity in North America.Not Supported
Ecoregion richness will be a predictor of language diversity in North America.Marginally Supported
Topographic complexity will be a predictor of language diversity in North America.Not Supported
Climate change velocity will be a predictor of language diversity in North America.Not supported
Precipitation constancy will be a predictor of language diversity in North America.Not supported
Population density will be a predictor of language diversity in North America.Supported
Carrying capacity with group size limits will be a predictor of language diversity in North America.Partially supported
River density, ecoregion richness, topographic complexity, climate change velocity, precipitation constancy, and temperature constancy all help explain variation in population density.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By:  Benjamin.gonzalez