Dynamic Simulation of Historical Change in Language Using Monte Carlo Techniques

摘要

A system designed to serve as a vehicle for testing hypotheses about language change through time is being programmed in JOVIAL. A basic requirement of the system is that models must be formulated within the framework of Sapir's concept of drift and Bloomfield's definition of a speech community. Outside this restriction, an experimenter's selection of hypotheses is unrestricted. It is anticipated that the simulation system will provide a formal mechanism for checking the adequacy and internal consistency of various explanations about the causes of language change. (Author)