Geographical Roots of the Coevolution of Cultural and Linguistic Traits

Abstract

This research explores the geographical origins of the coevolution of cultural and linguistic traits. It establishes the existence of common roots for: (i) the presence of sex-based grammatical gender and the prevalence of gender bias, (ii) the existence of politeness distinctions and power distance, and (iii) the structure of the future tense and long-term orientation. The study documents that geographical characteristics that generated gender gaps in agricultural productivity, and led to gender bias in society, fostered the existence of sex-based grammatical gender. Further, ecological diversity, and its effect on the formation of hierarchical societies and the rise in power distance, were conducive to the emergence of politeness distinctions. Finally, higher caloric crop return, and its impact on long-term orientation, contributed to cross-language variations in the structure of the future tense.