人类方言的空间演变
Spatial evolution of human dialects
摘要：
人类方言的地理格局是历史的结果。在这里，我们制定了一个简单的语言变化的空间模型，这表明，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，语言方言区的边界控制的长度最小化效果类似于表面张力，介导的人口密度的变化，可以诱导曲率，并由海岸线或类似的边界的形状。方言区域的可预测性之所以出现，是因为这些效应将驱使许多复杂的、随机的早期状态朝着少数稳定的最终配置之一发展。该模型能够再现方言学家的观察和预测。这些因素包括方言连续体、同形词捆绑、扇形化、城市方言特征的波浪式传播，以及人类活动对一个地区所能支持的方言数量的影响。该模型还提供了塞吉曲线的分析形式，给出了地理和语言距离之间的关系，以及曲线的概括，以说明人口中心的存在。一个简单的修改，使我们能够分析特征的变化，语言使用的年龄在一个地区正在发生语言变化。
英文摘要：
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 wave-like 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 Séguy's Curve giving the relationship between geographical and linguistic distance, and a generalisation of the curve to account for the presence of a population centre. A simple modification allows us to analytically characterize the variation of language use by age in an area undergoing linguistic change.
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