Modeling two-language competition dynamics

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in modeling two-language competition, emphasizing the role of bilingualism, social networks, and game theory in understanding language coexistence dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive review of models incorporating bilingualism, social network effects, and game theory, highlighting new insights into language coexistence mechanisms.

Findings

Bilingualism can facilitate language coexistence.

Social network structure influences language competition outcomes.

Game theory provides a strategic perspective on bilingualism dynamics.

Abstract

During the last decade, much attention has been paid to language competition in the complex systems community, that is, how the fractions of speakers of several competing languages evolve in time. In this paper we review recent advances in this direction and focus on three aspects. First we consider the shift from two-state models to three state models that include the possibility of bilingual individuals. The understanding of the role played by bilingualism is essential in sociolinguistics. In particular, the question addressed is whether bilingualism facilitates the coexistence of languages. Second, we will analyze the effect of social interaction networks and physical barriers. Finally, we will show how to analyze the issue of bilingualism from a game theoretical perspective.