Language evolution and population Dynamics in a system of two interacting species

TL;DR

This study uses simulations and evolutionary game theory to explore how initial fitness advantages influence language coexistence, spatial patterns, and survival in two interacting species with different languages.

Contribution

It demonstrates how initial fitness differences affect species survival, vocabulary richness, and spatial distribution, providing insights into language evolution and species coexistence.

Findings

Initial fitness advantage is quickly balanced but improves spatial arrangement.

Both languages tend to coexist in the final state under most conditions.

Dominant species can outcompete the other, leading to language and population homogenization.

Abstract

We use Monte Carlo simulations and assumptions from evolutionary game theory in order to study the evolution of words and the population dynamics of a system comprising two interacting species which initially speak two different languages. The species are characterized by their identity, vocabulary and have different initial fitness, i.e. reproduction capability. The questions we want to answer are: a. Will the different initial fitness lead to a permanent advantage? b. Will this advantage affect the vocabulary of the species or the population dynamics? c. How will the spatial distributions of the species be affected? Does the system exhibit pattern formation or segregation? We show that an initial fitness advantage, although is very quickly balanced, leads to better spatial arrangement and enhances survival probabilities of the species. In most cases the system will arrive at a final state where both languages coexist. However, in cases where one species greatly outnumbers the other in population and fitness, then only one species survives with its final language having a slightly richer vocabulary than its initial language. Thus, our results offer an explanation for the existence and origin of synonyms in all currently spoken languages.