Now evolutionary biologists have jumped in where linguists fear to tread, namely the stormy question of when and where Indo-European languages originated. Russell Gray and his student Quentin Atkinson of the University of Auckland in New Zealand are reasonably confident this group of 87 languages -- as diverse as English, Lithuanian and Gujarati -- arose between 8,000 and 9,500 years ago. Proceeding on the belief that "language, like biological species, diverge with time," Gray used a technique from a branch of research called molecular phylogenetics
Indo-European Languages Origin
Now evolutionary biologists have jumped in where linguists fear to tread, namely the stormy question of when and where Indo-European languages originated. Russell Gray and his student Quentin Atkinson of the University of Auckland in New Zealand are reasonably confident this group of 87 languages -- as diverse as English, Lithuanian and Gujarati -- arose between 8,000 and 9,500 years ago. Proceeding on the belief that "language, like biological species, diverge with time," Gray used a technique from a branch of research called molecular phylogenetics. This computational and statistical method compares genes and builds family trees by inferring when different biological organisms diverged during evolution; but instead of genes, our researchers used vocabulary and grammar and so built a "family tree" of Indo-European languages.
There are two competing theories on the origin of Indo-European languages. One says they arose 6,000 years ago among nomadic Kurgan horsemen sweeping down the Russian Steppes. Some researchers say they spread their language -- and their genes -- across Europe "through the sword" and through the use of horse-drawn carriages. The other says that these languages arose among farming communities in Anatolia (now Turkey). Gray's findings support the latter.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.