Exploring correlations in genetic and cultural variation across language families in northeast Asia

Science Advances • Vol/Iss. 7(34) • American Association for the Advancement of Science • • Published In • Pages: eabd9223 •
By Matsumae, Hiromi, Ranacher, Peter, Savage, Patrick E., Blasi, Damian E., Currie, Thomas E., Koganebuchi, Kae, Nishida, Nao, Sato, Takehiro, Tanabe, Hideyuki, Tajima, Atsushi, Brown, Steven, Stoneking, Mark, Shimizu, Kentaro K., Oota, Hiroki, Bickel, Balthasar

Abstract

This article explores the possible relationship between the cultural evolution of language, music, and genetic variation beyond the level of language families. Due to their linguistic diversity, the authors use a sample of 14 Northeast Asian societies with matching information on their music, genetics, and linguistic patterns. The variables measuring language are lexicon, phonology, and grammar. Then, the authors compare each variable's relationship to music and genetic variation. The results only show a significant correlation between grammar and genetic variation.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Asian DNA Repository Consortium (ADRC)Researchers' own14 Northeast Asian populations, with a total 11 language families

Hypotheses (7)

HypothesisSupported
There is a relationship between genetic variation and grammar beyond the level of language families.Supported
There is a relationship between music and genetic variation beyond the level of language families.Not supported
There is a relationship between music and grammar beyond the level of language families.Not supported
There is a relationship between genetic variation and phonology beyond the level of language families.Not supported
There is a relationship between genetic variation and lexicon beyond the level of language families.Not supported
There is a relationship between music and lexicon beyond the level of language families.Not supported
There is a relationship between music and phonology beyond the level of language families.Not supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: stefania.becerralavado