Glottochronolgy: An Application of Calculus to Linguistics (UMAP)

Author: Anthony Lo Bello & Maurice D. Weir

This module describes the new theory of glottochronology - the mathematical theory of dating languages and determing how long two cognate languages have been separated. The main equations are derived and applied to a series of language dating problems.

Table of Contents:

1. INTRODUCTION: DATING A LANGUAGE

2. THE FUNDAMENTAL GLOTTOCHRONOLOGY EQUATION

3. DETERMINATION OF THE PROPORTIONALITY FACTOR

4. INVESTIGATING TWO LANGUAGES DESCENDING FROM A COMMON PARENT

5. FINDING A PEOPLE'S ORIGINAL HOMELAND

6. BIBLIOGRAPHY

7. MODEL EXAMINATION

8. ANSWERS TO EXERCISES

9. ANSWERS TO MODEL EXAM