Language death and diversity: philosophical and linguistic implications

The Science of Mind 52:243-260 (2014)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

This paper presents a simple model to estimate the number of languages that existed throughout history, and considers philosophical and linguistic implications of the findings. The estimated number is 150,000 plus or minus 50,000. Because only few of those remain, and there is no reason to believe that that remainder is a statistically representative sample, we should be very cautious about universalistic claims based on existing linguistic variation.

Author's Profile

Lajos L. Brons
University of Groningen (PhD)

Analytics

Added to PP
2014-10-17

Downloads
475 (#31,953)

6 months
84 (#44,194)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?