Elevation and fog-cloud similarity in Tibeto-Burman languages

Abstract Lexically, 52.99% of the Tibeto-Burman languages, non-Sinitic branches Sino-Tibetan language family, treat fog as something identical or similar to cloud, based on our database 234 varieties; there are three lexical relations such fog-cloud similarity in namely cloud colexified with fog, a hypernym and formative fog. The rest languages use semantically disconnected words describe cloud. high proportion compared that non-Tibeto-Burman spoken alongside Trans-Himalayan region (i.e., 10.80%, result 213 varieties), has its historical reason, relics Proto-Tibeto-Burman. However, other than phylogenetic factors, an underlying reason can be attributed environmental influence. present findings indicate is more likely happen at higher elevations, particularly between range 1000 m 3000 above sea level. After reviewing meteorological features, it found ideal conditions for formation low humidity through orographic uplift due mountainous environment. Since speakers live dominant region, may surround them beneath their view. Therefore, they find difficult not necessary distinguish from Our conclusion also supported by families regions, Daghestanian Caucasus Central Andes. Moreover, agree theory efficient communication. That is, displaying adaptive elevations less communicative need two concepts using completely different unrelated linguistic forms; contrary, divergence have stronger do so, resulting well adaptation extra-linguistic Finally, tropical climates, another possible predictor similarity, identified future research direction.