@article{FuchsSchwingenheuerSteineggeretal.2024, author = {Fuchs, A. and Schwingenheuer, M. and Steinegger, E. and Voglmaier, T.}, title = {On an Interaction Model of General Language Change}, series = {Journal of Quantitative Linguistics}, volume = {31}, journal = {Journal of Quantitative Linguistics}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1080/09296174.2024.2344946}, pages = {107 -- 138}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In the following article, we construct an interaction model of general language change. This contributes in particular to quantitative studies on reversible language change initiated by G. Altmann by adding explanatory character in tracing global features of general language change back to the individual interaction of speakers. Although the corresponding coupled differential equations are (presumably) non-integrable, we use methods from the theory of dynamical systems to deduce the long-term behaviour (depending on four interaction parameters) of the model for any given initial constellation of speakers. Subsequent numerical analysis of real data on language change is used to justify the relevance of the constructed model for the practicing quantitative linguist. We show how data-fitting methods can be used to determine the four interaction parameters and predict from them the long-term behaviour of the system, i.e. if complete language change or reversible language change will take place.}, language = {en} }