University/Organization
Department of English Language and Literature College of Humanities and Sciences
Nihon University
Yokohama, Kanakawa-Ken
Japan
Title
MICRO VS. MACRO EVOLUTION OF LANGUAGE
Synopsis
On the assumption that there are two types of language evolution, microevolution and macroevolution, this paper argues that both synchronic and diachronic diversity of language can be regarded as the result of the microevolution of language. In addition, the Dynamic Model of Language proposed in this paper provides the key to resolving dispute over language evolution between adaptionists and non-adaptionists. For empirical support of this argument, the loss of quirky subjects in the history of English and multiple subjects in Japanese are closely examined, and it is concluded that these phenomena are the results of complex adaptation attested in the microevolution of language.