Contrasting Modes of Cultural Evolution: Kra-Dai Languages and Weaving Technologies

Evolutionary Human Sciences • Vol/Iss. Published Online • Cambridge University Press • • Published In • Pages: 1-28 •
By Buckley, Christopher D. , Kopp, Emma, Pellard, Thomas, Ryder, Robin J., Jacques, Guillaume

Abstract

Languages and weaving methods are passed down generation to generation, allowing both of them to have relatively clear phylogenies. These researchers use a Bayesian approach with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to uncover similar but independent phylogenies for Kra-Dai languages and weaving technologies. Evolutionary differences between the two are most likely due to different rates of change: smooth change (language) and periods of burst and stasis (weaving). This study found that language phylogenies were not efficient at predicting phylogenies of technologies.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: hattie.berke