Agent-based models of language competition

This article uses computer simulations as a means of assessing two different
models for the competition between two languages from the interdisciplinary
perspective of complex systems. These models allow for the analysis of the
role of bilingual speakers and they consider two of the basic factors determining
the use of each language: their relative prestige and the language loyalty of their
speakers. Here we assess the effect of these parameters in different social networks,
with the aim of contributing to the understanding of the role of bilingualism
and social networks in processes of language contact. We first present a qualitative
analysis based on a simulation tool that we have designed, in order to
visualize the dynamics of the models. Secondly, we consider a qualitative analysis
of the role of complex networks, identifying mechanisms for the rapid extinction
of a language and for situations of language segregation. Finally, we present
a quantitative analysis which shows, counter-intuitively, a transition from a final
scenario of language maintenance to one of language shift as language loyalty
increases. Other findings are: (i) that the scenario of language coexistence is reduced
in the presence of bilingual agents; and (ii) that networks which allow for
local effects reduce further the situations for which language maintenance is
possible.