1. Divergence:
* Dialectal Variation: The isolated group develops its own unique dialect with specific vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical features. This is due to independent linguistic evolution and adaptation to the new environment.
* New Languages: Over time, the dialectal differences may become so significant that they evolve into distinct languages. This is a gradual process and often involves a combination of sound changes, vocabulary shifts, and grammatical modifications.
2. Convergence:
* Language Contact and Borrowing: The isolated group may interact with speakers of other languages, leading to borrowing of vocabulary, grammar, or even entire sound systems. This can result in linguistic convergence, where two languages become more similar.
* Language Shift: In some cases, the isolated group may completely switch to the dominant language of their new environment. This is particularly common when the group is small or lacks strong linguistic ties to their original language.
3. Simplification:
* Loss of Features: The isolated group may lose complex grammatical features or vocabulary that are not essential for daily communication. This can occur due to a lack of exposure to these features or because they are no longer relevant in the new environment.
* Phonetic Reduction: Pronunciations may simplify, and sounds may be lost or become more similar to those of other languages spoken in the new location.
4. Innovation:
* Neologisms: The group may invent new words to describe concepts or objects specific to their new environment. This is often driven by the need to communicate new ideas and experiences.
* Grammatical Innovations: New grammatical structures may emerge in response to the specific needs of the isolated group. This can involve changes in word order, verb conjugation, or other grammatical features.
Examples:
* English: The migration of English speakers to different parts of the world has resulted in a wide variety of dialects and accents, such as American English, British English, Australian English, and Indian English.
* Romance languages: The evolution of Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, etc.) from Latin is a classic example of language divergence following the Roman Empire's decline.
* Creole languages: Creole languages, such as Jamaican Patois or Haitian Creole, often arise when speakers of different languages come together in a new environment and create a hybrid language.
Overall, the linguistic effects of migration and isolation are complex and depend on many factors, including the size and composition of the group, the length of isolation, and the nature of the interactions with other language groups.