GIS-based Geospatial Analysis of Language Diversity and Endangerment of New Guinea in Asia-Pacific

Abstract This research adopts an interdisciplinary approach integrating sociolinguistics, ecology, cultural geography and computer science to understand the spatial distribution patterns of languages in New Guinea. Using Wurm and Hattori's atlas digitised by Forkel and Hammerström, it examines local-scale correlations with environmental variables and explores the role of nature in language diversity and endangerment. The results reveal intricate human-nature interactions shaping linguistic evolution. Language diversity correlates moderately with biodiversity, but local inconsistencies arise, which do not stem from correlation with population as in the human-nature conflict hypothesis. Elevation appears to lower language endangerment, which is supported by isolation and ecological risk theories. The apparent dichotomic altitude-endangerment correlation in coastal areas is explained with the same theory under sociocultural inspection. Climate has the least correlation with endangerment, yet elevation difference may create differential climatic zones, favouring language stratification as that of species. Individual environmental factors in isolation apparently fail to capture the human-nature interactions; the integral, complex ecosystem dynamics as the backdrop of socioeconomic and cultural influences should be recognised. The study highlights the importance of systematic analysis of language as an ecosystem and calls for biocultural conservation with integrated management strategies. Keywords: AES; Biocultural; CHANS; Geolinguistics; Homogenisation