This research operation gathers research activities on the recent evolution of languages. The studies here deal with different dimensions of linguistic evolutions, from phonological to semantic and lexical changes. The computer tool is especially at use, since in addition to the development of several databases, computerized analyses of data and modelling approaches have been designed in all the projects.

This second research operation spreads over much wider timescales than the former one. The research activities on the origins of language and languages indeed closely follow those on the development of the human species during the last millions of years of prehistory. We work in particular on the first sea-crossings as cues of language, and on the evolution of the diversity and complexity of languages before the Neolithic. The emphasis is put on the use of data on prehistory and of computer tools to design simple but relevant simulations to partly rebuild the emergence of language and languages.
In the longer run, we aim at pushing forward the notion of paleo-cognition, through the analysis of the cognitive activities of our predecessors, especially at the level of the communication between individuals.

Since the first studies by L. Cavalli-Sforza on the comparisons between linguistic and genetic classifications, numerous studies on different human populations have been succeeding one another, sometimes putting forward good correlations between genetic and linguistic markers, and sometimes differences that have to be explained. Such dual approaches draw new perspectives to better understand the history of human migrations and contacts between populations.
In order to refine the knowledge in the domains of expertise of the laboratory, namely the Berber and Gabonese populations, several linguists of the team have started collaborations with population geneticists and archaeologists to conduct precise fieldwork by gathering the competences of all. Moreover, a more theoretical approach has also been taken to think more globally to the relevance of comparing classifications of different disciplines.