lexicostatistics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
very lowformal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “lexicostatistics” mean?
The statistical study of vocabulary to determine historical relationships between languages, especially to estimate the time since they diverged from a common ancestor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The statistical study of vocabulary to determine historical relationships between languages, especially to estimate the time since they diverged from a common ancestor.
A quantitative method in historical and comparative linguistics involving the comparison of cognate percentages in basic vocabulary lists, also applied in dialectology and the study of language contact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. It is a highly specialized term used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage, confined to academic linguistics.
Grammar
How to Use “lexicostatistics” in a Sentence
[Language/Researcher] + [verb: apply/use/employ] + lexicostatistics + [prep: to/in] + [noun: analysis/study]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lexicostatistics” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The lexicostatistical evidence points to an earlier split.
American English
- Their lexicostatistical approach has been influential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in historical linguistics, anthropology, and language evolution studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely to describe a specific methodological approach to language classification and dating.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lexicostatistics”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lexicostatistics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lexicostatistics”
- Misspelling as 'lexiostatistics' or 'lexicostatics'. Incorrectly using it as a synonym for any statistical study of language (e.g., corpus statistics).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Lexicostatistics is the broader method of comparing lexical similarity. Glottochronology is a specific, controversial application that uses lexicostatistics to estimate absolute dates of language divergence.
Typically, a standardized list of basic, culturally neutral vocabulary (like the Swadesh list) believed to be resistant to change and borrowing.
Criticisms include the assumption of constant vocabulary replacement rates, the difficulty of identifying true cognates, and the effects of language contact and borrowing, which can skew results.
Primarily in historical linguistics, anthropological linguistics, and sometimes in evolutionary biology-inspired models of cultural evolution.
The statistical study of vocabulary to determine historical relationships between languages, especially to estimate the time since they diverged from a common ancestor.
Lexicostatistics is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Lexicostatistics: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɛksɪkəʊstəˈtɪstɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɛksɪkoʊstəˈtɪstɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LEXICO (words/vocabulary) + STATISTICS (numbers). It's using maths on words to map language family trees.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGES ARE BIOLOGICAL SPECIES (with lexicostatistics measuring genetic/lexical distance to build family trees).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary goal of lexicostatistics?