A phylogenetic classification of the Je language family [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 3 approved with reservations]
Introduction This study investigates the Je language family and Macro-Je phylum, addressing a significant gap in previous research by applying quantitative methods to its classification. Dataset The study compares a subset of 303 concepts from 14 languages, primarily sourced from Swadesh lists and c...
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| Language: | English |
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F1000 Research Ltd
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Open Research Europe |
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| Online Access: | https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/5-29/v3 |
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| author | Fabrício Ferraz Gerardi Jonas Gregorio de Souza Tim Wientzek Fernando Orphão de Carvalho Ivan Roksandic |
| author_facet | Fabrício Ferraz Gerardi Jonas Gregorio de Souza Tim Wientzek Fernando Orphão de Carvalho Ivan Roksandic |
| author_sort | Fabrício Ferraz Gerardi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction This study investigates the Je language family and Macro-Je phylum, addressing a significant gap in previous research by applying quantitative methods to its classification. Dataset The study compares a subset of 303 concepts from 14 languages, primarily sourced from Swadesh lists and culturally relevant terms, providing a robust foundation for phylogenetic analysis. Methods Bayesian phylogenetic inference and NeighborNet methods were employed to analyze the dataset. These approaches enabled the reconstruction of evolutionary relationships within the Je family, facilitating the identification of language divergence patterns and their historical dynamics. Results The analysis reveals well-supported Northern, Central, and Southern subgroups within the Je family, demonstrating clear geographical clustering. The phylogenetic tree aligns with existing hypotheses while offering new insights into the family’s structure. Discussion The findings were contextualized within pre-Columbian archaeological frameworks, drawing parallels between linguistic divergence and material culture. These connections support the hypothesis that the Je language family’s development aligns with distinct cultural and geographical distributions observed in archaeological records. Conclusion and Future Directions This study affirms the genetic coherence of the Je family and highlights opportunities for future research, including the incorporation of non-Je languages in the Macro-Je phylum and expanded datasets to refine the understanding of this diverse linguistic group. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e067e2e2b7384805b942c7abae95ad49 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2732-5121 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | F1000 Research Ltd |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Open Research Europe |
| spelling | doaj-art-e067e2e2b7384805b942c7abae95ad492025-08-20T03:48:10ZengF1000 Research LtdOpen Research Europe2732-51212025-05-01510.12688/openreseurope.19346.322021A phylogenetic classification of the Je language family [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 3 approved with reservations]Fabrício Ferraz Gerardi0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1438-7336Jonas Gregorio de Souza1Tim Wientzek2https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9375-6381Fernando Orphão de Carvalho3Ivan Roksandic4https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0789-6519University of Tübingen Department of Linguistics, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, 72074, GermanyPompeu Fabra University Department of Humanities, Barcelona, Catalonia, SpainUniversity of Tübingen Department of Linguistics, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, 72074, GermanyFederal University of Rio de Janeiro National Museum, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, BrazilThe University of Winnipeg Department of Anthropology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaIntroduction This study investigates the Je language family and Macro-Je phylum, addressing a significant gap in previous research by applying quantitative methods to its classification. Dataset The study compares a subset of 303 concepts from 14 languages, primarily sourced from Swadesh lists and culturally relevant terms, providing a robust foundation for phylogenetic analysis. Methods Bayesian phylogenetic inference and NeighborNet methods were employed to analyze the dataset. These approaches enabled the reconstruction of evolutionary relationships within the Je family, facilitating the identification of language divergence patterns and their historical dynamics. Results The analysis reveals well-supported Northern, Central, and Southern subgroups within the Je family, demonstrating clear geographical clustering. The phylogenetic tree aligns with existing hypotheses while offering new insights into the family’s structure. Discussion The findings were contextualized within pre-Columbian archaeological frameworks, drawing parallels between linguistic divergence and material culture. These connections support the hypothesis that the Je language family’s development aligns with distinct cultural and geographical distributions observed in archaeological records. Conclusion and Future Directions This study affirms the genetic coherence of the Je family and highlights opportunities for future research, including the incorporation of non-Je languages in the Macro-Je phylum and expanded datasets to refine the understanding of this diverse linguistic group.https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/5-29/v3phylogenetics historical linguistics macro-jeeng |
| spellingShingle | Fabrício Ferraz Gerardi Jonas Gregorio de Souza Tim Wientzek Fernando Orphão de Carvalho Ivan Roksandic A phylogenetic classification of the Je language family [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 3 approved with reservations] Open Research Europe phylogenetics historical linguistics macro-je eng |
| title | A phylogenetic classification of the Je language family [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 3 approved with reservations] |
| title_full | A phylogenetic classification of the Je language family [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 3 approved with reservations] |
| title_fullStr | A phylogenetic classification of the Je language family [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 3 approved with reservations] |
| title_full_unstemmed | A phylogenetic classification of the Je language family [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 3 approved with reservations] |
| title_short | A phylogenetic classification of the Je language family [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 3 approved with reservations] |
| title_sort | phylogenetic classification of the je language family version 3 peer review 2 approved 3 approved with reservations |
| topic | phylogenetics historical linguistics macro-je eng |
| url | https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/5-29/v3 |
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