Barking up the wrong tree

Languages such as English, which spread with complex and expansive political orders, seem to exhibit a tendency toward simplicity. The reason behind this is straightforward: adult language learners have difficulties with morphological complexity. These data and analysis seem to resolve nicely the "paradox" that the most complex languages are generally found in small-scale "primitive" cultures. Since very few outsiders learn these languages there's no need for them to be "dumbed down" or non-fluent adults.

Here is what English sounds like to foreigners.

This is the hardest language.

How many languages are dying?

For a witty look at language, I recommend this book.

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