A recent analysis of an ancient language demonstrates that linguistic change does not follow a straightforward path toward a simpler system but takes a rather bumpy ride to its destination.

Dr. Kiparsky's research focuses on the reasons why languages change over time, and the mechanisms by which this change occurs.
Linguistic change differs from biological evolution and socio-cultural change because of the way language is organized and learned.
Languages are passed on by example, but each is governed by a coherent set of rules that conform to a common set of organizing principles.
Linguistic change is typically initiated by children as they make "intelligent" errors in seeking the simplest way of navigating the languages they are learning.
By studying linguistic change, we gain new insights into how language is organized and how children learn language.
Advertisements
Construction is always going on, now and then a room is finished, but only after centuries can an outside observer see that a fundamental renovation has taken place.
Advertisements
This new insight into the nature of how language change occurs will help linguists and those who rely on their research to gain a greater understanding of language and the mind.
Source-ANI