Extreme events and the spread of Uralic languages

Abstract

In this paper we present novel aspects concerning the possible connection between the 4.2 ka climatic event and the early spread of Uralic languages from western Siberia to North-East Europe. We discuss different reasons for the divergence of Proto-Uralic and the spread of the Uralic languages, and propose a scenario where the 4.2 ka climatic event and the early spread of Uralic languages is connected via three themes: 1) habitat changes, 2) animal husbandry and 3) trade. Our arguments are based on analysis of linguistic evidence of Proto-Uralic cultural vocabulary, early contacts with Indo-Iranian, as well as loanwords from unknown sources that might be connected to animal husbandry and trade of metals in the Seima-Turbino network.