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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2023/Paper I/Culture & Society
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper I 2023 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Glottochronology — 2023 Paper I

Question · 2023 · Paper I · 10 Marks

Glottochronology

Model Answer

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Introduction Glottochronology is a quantitative method within historical linguistics used to estimate the exact chronological time of divergence between two related languages. Developed by linguist Morris Swadesh in the 1950s, it functions like a "lexical clock," drawing an analogy to radioactive carbon dating, based on the rate at which basic vocabulary decays or is replaced over time.

Key Features and Methodology

  1. Swadesh Lists: The method relies on standardized lists of culturally universal, core words—usually the Swadesh 100-word or 200-word lists (e.g., body parts, pronouns, natural phenomena like 'sun' or 'water'). These words are highly resistant to borrowing.
  2. Cognate Comparison: Linguists count the percentage of shared cognates (words with a common historical origin, like mater in Latin and mother in English) between two languages.
  3. The Lexical Clock (Constant Rate of Change): Swadesh posited that core vocabulary changes at a constant average rate. He estimated that a language retains roughly 81% to 86% of its core vocabulary per millennium.
  1. Mathematical Formula: Time depth is calculated as: t = log c / 2 log r  

Where:
t = time depth
c = proportion or percentage of shared cognates
r = constant rate of cognate retention per millennium

Anthropological Application Glottochronology is used alongside archaeology and population genetics to trace human migrations. For example, it has been used to estimate when the proto-Indo-European language split or to trace the migration of the Bantu-speaking populations in Africa.

Limitations and Criticisms

  • No Universal Clock: Languages do not change at a constant rate. Social isolation, wars, or rapid cultural shifts can accelerate vocabulary loss.
  • Taboo Words: In some cultures (e.g., Australian Aboriginals), a word is tabooed when a person bearing that name dies, artificially accelerating vocabulary replacement.
  • Borrowing: Despite being "core," basic words can sometimes be borrowed through intense cultural contact, skewing the math.

Conclusion While modern linguists reject glottochronology as an absolute, precise dating method, it remains a highly valuable heuristic tool. When cross-referenced with archaeological findings and ancient DNA, it provides a crucial linguistic timeline for understanding the biocultural evolution and migration of human populations.

2025 Culture and embodiment. 2025 Critically examine the drawbacks in assuming culture as an 'integrated-closed' system in understanding of contemporary society. 2025 Describe briefly the theoretical perspectives in linguistic anthropology to explain the relationship of culture, language and thought. 2024 Attributes of culture

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2023 — Paper I

28 questions

1(b) Cultural impact of Iron Age

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.8(b) Cultural Evolution > Iron Age
2023Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

1(e) Gene expression

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.7 The biological basis of life > Gene and protein synthesis
2023Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

5(c) Glottochronology

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 7. Culture, language and communication > Language change
2023Paper ICulture & SocietyModel answer available

5(d) Menopausal symptoms

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 11.1 Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility
2023Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyAnswer coming soon

5(a) Polygenic Inheritance

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.2 Mendelian genetics in man > Polygenic inheritance
2023Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

1(c) Race and Ethnicity

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.5 Race and racism > Race and ethnicity
2023Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

5(e) William Ogburn and Cultural lag

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Cultural lag (Ogburn)
2023Paper IAnthropological TheoriesModel answer available