Text 1
Glottochronology, pioneered by Morris Swadesh, estimates when related languages diverged by measuring changes in their core vocabulary. The method assumes a constant rate of lexical retention—a 'lexical half-life' analogous to radioactive decay. Swadesh posited that basic vocabulary is highly resistant to cultural contact and changes at a uniform rate across all languages, allowing researchers to calculate precise dates for prehistoric linguistic splits.
Text 2
Linguist Sarah Thomason challenges the validity of glottochronology, arguing that the assumption of a uniform rate of lexical decay is untenable. Because languages do not exist in a vacuum, intense social contact, bilingualism, and prestige dynamics can drastically accelerate lexical replacement. Conversely, geographic or social isolation can preserve vocabulary far longer than predicted. Thus, rate variations make core vocabulary an unreliable chronological clock.
Based on the passages, the author of Text 2 would agree with the claim in Text 1 that core vocabulary is largely unaffected by contact with other cultures.
Cevap: Cevap