Lexical Phylogenetics of the Tupí-Guaraní Family: Language, Archaeology, and the Problem of Chronology

Abstract

Tupí-Guaraní is one of the largest branches of the Tupían language family, but despite its relevance there is no consensus about its origins in terms of age, homeland, and expansion. Linguistic classifications vary significantly, with archaeological studies suggesting incompatible date ranges while ethnographic literature confirms the close similarities as a result of continuous inter-family contact. To investigate this issue, we use a linguistic database of cognate data, employing Bayesian phylogenetic methods to infer a dated tree and to build a phylogeographic expansion model. Results suggest that the branch originated around 2500 BP in the area of the upper course of the Tapajós-Xingu basins, with a split between Southern and Northern varieties starting around 1750 BP. We analyse the difficulties in reconciling archaeological and linguistic data for this group, stressing the importance of developing an interdisciplinary unified model that incorporates evidence from both disciplines.

Hunter–gatherer genetics research: Importance and avenues

“…are primary hunter–gatherers; Lipson et al, 2022 ; Bahuchet, 2012 ), genetic studies have also shed light on how hunting and gathering itself can be a behavioural adaptation to changing socio-economic landscapes. For example, the Ache hunter–gatherers who inhabit the Paraná River plains in Paraguay also speak languages from the Tupi family, that originated as part of a large-scale expansion from Brazil starting around 2 kya and involving populations nowadays practising different types of subsistence activities (Walker et al, 2012 ; Ferraz Gerardi et al, 2023 ). Two possibilities have been envisaged regarding their origins.…”

Lexical phylogenetics of the Tupí-Guaraní family: Language, archaeology, and the problem of chronology

“…We decided in favor of the simplest and most common practices whenever possible and sensible, following the principle that we should begin with more approachable studies before venturing into more complex scenarios. The initial exploration, partly published in [97], was relevant for the authors to discuss the concepts that were deemed less reliable, and the problems that could arise from the analysis. These studies also served to evaluate the feasibility and robustness of our approach.…”