Complete mitochondrial genomes of Thai and Lao populations indicate an ancient origin of Austroasiatic groups and demic diffusion in the spread of Tai–Kadai languages

• DOI: 10.1007/s00439-016-1742-y
• Publication Date: 2016-11-11T12:47:30Z
• Authors: Wibhu Kutanan; Jatupol Kampuansai; Metawee Srikummool; Daoroong Kangwanpong; Silvia Ghirotto; Andrea Brunelli; Mark Stoneking
• Keywords: Haplogroup; Language family

The Tai–Kadai (TK) language family is thought to have originated in southern China and spread Thailand Laos, but it not clear if TK languages by demic diffusion (i.e., a migration of people from China) or cultural diffusion, with native Austroasiatic (AA) speakers switching languages. To address this other questions, we obtained 1234 complete mtDNA genome sequences 51 AA groups Laos. We find high genetic heterogeneity across the region, 212 different haplogroups, significant differentiation among samples same ethnolinguistic group. are more genetically homogeneous than groups, latter exhibiting ancient/basal lineages, showing drift effects. Modeling admixture scenarios consistently supports diffusion.