A sociolinguistic-typological approach to the linguistic prehistory of South Asia

Abstract The present study compares two Indo-Aryan languages, Sadri and Konkani, with respect to their morphological complexity. Based on assumptions made in sociolinguistic typology (e.g., Trudgill, 2011), which forms part of a larger research program investigating the effects social factors language structures, this attempts reconstruct various aspects prehistoric society based structures these modern languages as typical representatives eastern western Indo-Aryan, respectively. results suggest that 2,000–2,500 years ago were spoken very different environments, high degree ethnic linguistic diversity India comparatively low level west. also confirms other studies areas grammar, such nominal verbal systems, may be affected degrees contact respective rates (re)complexification differ.