Demographic growth and the distribution of language sizes

Details Demographic growth and the distribution of language sizes Demographic growth and the distribution of language sizes

2007-10-08

arxiv.org/abs/0710.1511v1

Physics

Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability

To appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys. C (2008)

Scientific paper

10.1142/S0129183108012042

It is argued that the present log-normal distribution of language sizes is, to a large extent, a consequence of demographic dynamics within the population of speakers of each language. A two-parameter stochastic multiplicative process is proposed as a model for the population dynamics of individual languages, and applied over a period spanning the last ten centuries. The model disregards language birth and death. A straightforward fitting of the two parameters, which statistically characterize the population growth rate, predicts a distribution of language sizes in excellent agreement with empirical data. Numerical simulations, and the study of the size distribution within language families, validate the assumptions at the basis of the model.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Demographic growth and the distribution of language sizes does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Demographic growth and the distribution of language sizes, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Demographic growth and the distribution of language sizes will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-544211