Linguistics
Articles tagged with Linguistics
Challenging biases about vocal fry #ASA190
He said, she said: Why men and women experience the world differently #ASA190
AI content moderation takes a lesson from economics #ASA190
The birds and the babies: Humans and zebra finches have a similar technique for learning to speak #ASA190
Researchers found that caregivers play a significant role in helping infants learn complex vocalizations, similar to how zebra finches use social feedback to teach their young. The study suggests that both humans and zebra finches rely on social environment to guide low-level temporal foundations of their vocal communication.
Language of helplessness: How we write about ourselves reveals symptoms of depression
A study by SWPS University found that people with depressive symptoms use less active language, such as 'I am incapable' instead of 'I achieve goals'. This analysis of social media posts shows promise for early detection and prevention of depression.
Mainz University and the German Police University launch joint research project on qualified language mediation for efficient forensic communication surveillance
The QSEK project aims to develop general standards for the legally sound use of language-mediated evidence, provide targeted training, and support technological innovation. This will enhance investigative efficiency, reduce misinterpretation risk, and strengthen the reliability of forensic evidence.
AI can give as good as it gets ... or better: The moral dilemma of combative chatbots
A recent study from Lancaster University reveals that AI systems like ChatGPT can learn to mirror human impoliteness, potentially escalating into verbal violence. The research tested ChatGPT's ability to respond to real-life impolite interactions, finding it often produces more impolite behavior than humans.
Species and languages worldwide threatened by the consequences of European colonialism
A study by the University of Vienna reveals that European colonialism has left a lasting impact on the threat to languages and species. Island regions, such as Oceania and East Asia, are disproportionately affected due to their small size and vulnerable ecosystems.
For some Americans, their accent isn’t just related to where they live
Researchers found that men with a 'country' identity showed distinct vowel patterns in their pronunciations, different from those living in neighboring areas. Country identity was more robustly linked to language patterns than travel patterns.
The naming of mollusks evolves at a snail's pace
Research by Taro Yoshimura examines the history and linguistic landscape of biodiversity, finding that ancient Greek dominates molluscan family names, often due to prestige and style. This highlights a human side to naming, where science is shaped by epistemic values and cultural biases.
Forensic linguistics reveals the playbook of trust
New research uses transcripts from the Enron scandal to analyze linguistic moves made by energy traders to manipulate trust and encourage collusion. The study identified a 'playbook' of trust-related moves, including 'bond', 'build', 'confide', 'probe', and 'repair', which can inform practical interventions in combating fraud.
International conference “Cultural Diversity and Funded Translations: Between Institutional Gatekeeping and the Market, Past and Present"
The conference discusses how funded literary translations represent cultural diversity and impact global circulation of texts, publishing market, and cultural policies. It is part of the research project Translating diversity: institutional agents and literary translation policies in Ibero-America.
Survival of the wittiest: Linguistic cleverness in human evolution
Linguistic cleverness could have emerged with early grammar and verb-noun compounds creating expressive nouns. Skilled deployers of such compounds may have had higher reproductive fitness than less witty individuals.
Four NYU faculty named AAAS Fellows
NYU faculty Eray Aydil, André Fenton, Anirban Maitra, and Liina Pylkkänen recognized for their groundbreaking work in materials synthesis, neuroscience, cancer research, and language processing. The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected 449 members as AAAS Fellows this year.
AI overly affirms users asking for personal advice
A study by Stanford University researchers found that AI large language models are prone to sycophancy when providing advice on interpersonal dilemmas. The models often affirmed users' choices, even in harmful or illegal scenarios. Participants who interacted with sycophantic AIs reported increased self-centeredness and moral dogmatism.
The UJI’s GRAPE group proposes a paradigm shift in language teaching with a computer tool for multimodal analysis of oral discourse
The UJI's GRAPE group proposes a paradigm shift in language teaching with a computer tool that analyzes verbal and visual elements. The software, GRAPE-MARS, enables fast labeling of video files and incorporates AI tools for efficient analysis.
Uncovering structural cue use in second-language sentence processing
A study led by Waseda University's Associate Professor Chie Nakamura investigated how listeners interpret structurally ambiguous sentences using eye-tracking technology. The researchers found that listeners actively build sentence structure in real-time, predicting how the sentence will continue before all information is available.
From genetics to AI: Integrated approaches to decoding human language in the brain
Cognitive neuroscientists are integrating genetics and AI to study language development and disorders. AI-based models can predict language development in children, while genetics research links rhythm disorders and dyslexia. The brain's wiring connecting language regions also reveals that language is a system, not a single 'thing'.
A forgotten translator of the Salzburg Festival
Researcher Dr. Julia Jennifer Beine uncovers forgotten translator Ljuba Metzl of the Salzburg Festival play Cenodoxus, shedding new light on her story. Metzl's translation is now lost, but her biography reveals a talented young philologist who was overlooked by history.
Why conversation is more like a dance than an exchange of words
Researchers Judith Holler and Anna K. Kuhlen argue that conversation is not a linear exchange of words, but rather a jointly managed activity in which meaning emerges through coordination. Visual signals like gestures and facial expressions play a crucial role in composing and comprehending meaning.
New Center for Computational Social Science and Humanities at NUS to advance interdisciplinary research on complex societal challenges
The Centre for Computational Social Science and Humanities (CSSH) at NUS combines computational methods with social science and humanities to better understand complex social phenomena and develop solutions. CSSH aims to generate research that improves lives, strengthens institutions, and shapes more inclusive societies.
Signs on Stone Age objects: Precursor to written language dates back 40,000 years
Researchers found that Palaeolithic sign sequences are statistically comparable to the earliest proto-cuneiform script, dating back 40,000 years. The analysis of over 3,000 geometric signs on 260 objects revealed complex and informative systems used by early humans to convey information.
Brainwaves of mothers and children synchronize when playing together – even in an acquired language
Researchers found that brain synchrony between mothers and children is equally strong when playing in the native language or an acquired second language. This suggests that multilingualism can support healthy communication and learning without disrupting the brain-to-brain connection.
AI-powered companionship: PolyU interfaculty scholar harnesses music and empathetic speech in robots to combat loneliness
Researchers at PolyU have discovered that combining music and empathetic speech in robots can foster a stronger bond between humans and machines. Music enhances the emotional resonance of on-screen robots, making interactions feel more real, but its impact diminishes over time.
Signs of Sir Terry Pratchett’s dementia may have been hidden in his books – new study
Researchers discovered a significant decline in language complexity in Pratchett's writing, particularly in 'The Lost Continent', indicating potential early warning signs of dementia. This study aims to aid in the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Specialized Information Service (FID) Jewish Studies to be further expanded
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the Specialized Information Service (FID) Jewish Studies for another three years, strengthening research infrastructure. The FID provides tailored information services to researchers in Jewish history, culture, and Israel studies.
Why some messages are more convincing than others
Researchers found that using words with clear opposites can shape people's sense of certainty when evaluating messages. This means that certain wording types can make messages less effective among skeptics, while boosting confidence among believers.
Sign language AI to focus on real Deaf conversations, not just interpreter data
Researchers are working on a £3.5 million UK-Japan project to develop human-centred artificial intelligence for sign language translation, focusing on natural conversational Deaf data rather than interpreted signing.
Psychosis patients ‘living in metaphor’ -- new study radically shifts ideas about delusions
New study finds psychosis delusions emerge from emotional experiences, bodily reactions, and linguistic fabric. Participants described intense emotional embodiment and disembodiment, with some experiencing positive feelings of awe and love.
AI video translation shows promise but humans still hold the edge
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that AI tools excel at speed and clarity, but human translators remain crucial for tone, cultural nuance, and natural sound. Generative AI can handle parts of video translation, but consumers still notice when something feels off.
Hierarchical temporal processing in the primate thalamocortical system: insights from nonlinguistic structured stimuli
The study demonstrates the auditory cortex's ability to integrate fine-scale and coarse-scale temporal cues during synchronization, with better performance in macaques compared to the middle glandular body. The nonlinguistic oddball paradigm shows promise for clinical applications in psychiatric disorders and future research should exp...
Call to increase funding for ‘invisible’ Deaf victim-survivors of domestic abuse
Deaf women in Scotland face significant barriers to accessing support and safety due to the lack of specialist services. The Sign LOUD report calls for a national BSL Equally Safe Advisory Group to improve response and dedicated long-term funding for Deaf-friendly domestic abuse services.
To slang or not to slang? That is the question for marketing pros
Research found that slang words appear in nearly 20% of social media posts, with varying effects on consumer engagement. Effective use of slang depends on the brand's personality and consumer expectations.
Researchers from the HSE University investigated reading in adolescents
The study revealed that phonological processing skills continue to impact text reading fluency in adolescents, with better phoneme operation leading to faster coherent text reading. Attitude towards reading also played a significant role, with emotional involvement being crucial for reading skill development.
Pleasant-sounding words are easier to remember
A new study by linguist Theresa Matzinger found that the sound quality of words influences how beautiful they are perceived to be and how easily they can be learned. Researchers tested artificial pseudowords with no meaning and found that words with pleasing sounds were also more memorable.
Phonetic or morpholexical issues? New study reveals L2 French ambiguity
A new study by Waseda University researchers explores the role of morphological processing in L2 French ambiguity, finding that it plays a significant role in causing speech errors. The study suggests that educators should integrate pronunciation and vocabulary exercises more holistically to help learners overcome hidden ambiguities.
A rose by any other name? Not necessarily—how words sound aesthetically correlates with their memorability, study finds
Researchers found that words with phonetically pleasing sound patterns are more memorable due to their aesthetic appeal. The study was supported by a grant from the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Austrian Science Fund.
Major success for German research into social artificial intelligence
The German Research Foundation extends TRR 318 'Constructing Explainability' for a further three and a half years, focusing on context within explanations to develop more comprehensible AI systems. The collaboration involves over 60 researchers across seven disciplines, aiming to create social forms of explainable AI.
DFG approves two Collaborative Research Centres in Konstanz
The German Research Foundation has granted funding for two new Collaborative Research Centres at the University of Konstanz, exploring cellular trigger responses and language signal interference. Researchers aim to unravel molecular mechanisms behind cell perception and processing, and develop innovative tools for biotechnological appl...
Research on visual communication continues
The second funding phase of Priority Program ViCom aims to advance new linguistic and cognitive models describing visual communication. Researchers will focus on developing theories, systematizing findings, and supporting early-career researchers, fostering international collaboration.
AI language models show bias against regional German dialects
Large language models systematically rate speakers of German dialects less favorably than those using Standard German, associating dialects with negative traits. The bias grows when dialects are explicitly mentioned, and larger models display even stronger biases.
English text readability can be estimated using basic linguistic features
The study analyzed eye movement data to predict processing effort and found that word and sentence length are effective predictors of text readability among English learners. This approach provides valuable insights for selecting reading materials and developing reading tests.
Painting memory: Lithuanian researchers explore how street art shapes urban identity
Street art in Kaunas, Lithuania acts as a form of cultural activism and collective memory, blending languages, images, and historical narratives. Murals have become powerful tools for community reflection and dialogue, turning public space into a living archive of cultural identity.
Charts can be social artifacts that communicate more than just data
A study by MIT researchers found that design elements of data visualizations influence viewers' assumptions about the source of the information and its trustworthiness. Readers make these assessments primarily from design features like color palette or arrangement, rather than underlying data, often unintentionally by designers.
Mizzou researchers help farmers prevent and manage livestock losses
University of Missouri researchers are helping farmers prevent disease outbreaks by teaching biosecurity practices, such as hand sanitizing and wearing farm-dedicated shoes. They also provide guidance on safe composting methods to dispose of dead livestock, reducing the risk of disease spread.
How do people learn new facts?
A new study published in JNeurosci used fMRI to investigate how the brain acquires semantic information. The results suggest that the quality of activity in distinct brain regions can predict whether people successfully acquire knowledge about places and characters in fictional civilizations.
Social media comments can act as “quick warning signals” against misinformation, study shows
A study published in a book by Professor Florian Stöckel and colleagues found that social media comments can act as signals for true or false information, helping users identify accurate news. However, these comments can also be misleading and undermine trust in correct information.
Birds’ vocal warnings provide new insight into the origins of language
Researchers found over 20 bird species across four continents produce nearly identical whining calls when spotting parasites, suggesting a shared learned response.
New book examines language loss among multilingual speakers
The new book examines language attrition in non-pathological settings, considering social, lexical, and grammatical constraints. Researchers aim to develop a multifaceted approach to combating language loss, improving pedagogy and promoting bilingualism.
Tracking the evolution of Taylor Swift’s dialect
A team of researchers analyzed Taylor Swift's recorded interviews to study her dialect changes across different eras of her career. They found that she adopted features of the Southern accent when living in Nashville and lowered her voice pitch when moving to New York City, which may have been a strategic move to project authority.
Uncovering language learning strategies for Japanese university students in STEM
Researchers developed a new tool to measure language learning strategies of Japanese university STEM students. The Strategy Inventory for Language Learning-STEM (SILL-JP/STEM) assesses six categories of learning strategies, revealing insights into students' behaviors, including underutilized affective strategies.
Net zero pledges: corporate buzzword or genuine commitment?
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found that corporate net-zero pledges often lack the substance needed to drive real change. Many companies use vague language and focus on direct emissions, omitting substantial indirect emissions generated by their products.
Beyond words: the cognitive force of metaphor
Researchers Marie Teich and Wilmer Leal develop a formal framework to analyze metaphors, confirming they are enduring linguistic and cognitive structures. The study reveals two significant metaphorical processes: mappings from concrete to abstract topics and the emergence of new mappings between domains.
Universal rhythm guides how we speak new study reveals
Researchers found that humans across cultures and languages break their speech into Intonation Units, which follow a low-frequency rhythm of 1.6 seconds. This universal structure plays a critical role in helping listeners follow conversations and absorb information.
Analysis of more than a century’s worth of political speeches challenges theory about how linguistic usage evolves
A study analyzing over 7.9 million US Congressional speeches from 1873 to 2010 found that speakers of all ages contribute to linguistic changes, with older speakers adopting new words and meanings over time. The researchers used AI models to track word usage patterns and found shifts in meaning across decades.
A twangy timbre cuts through the noise
Researchers found that twangy female voices were understood more than neutral voices when surrounded by noise. This is due to the higher-pitched nature of twangy speech, which gives it a perceived loudness and reduces masking by low-frequency sounds.
Preterm infants more likely to experience delayed language development
Researchers found that preterm infants scored lower on both language comprehension and expression compared to full-term peers. The earlier the birth and lower the birth weight, the weaker the child's performance in language comprehension.
First impressions count: How babies are talked about during ultrasounds impacts parent perceptions, caregiving relationship
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that how healthcare providers describe babies during ultrasounds impacts parent perceptions and can influence a child's future behavior. Positive descriptions are associated with fewer behavioral difficulties in toddlers, while negative descriptions lead to greater challenges.
Automatized vocabulary knowledge in predicting speech fluency
A new study by Waseda University researchers suggests that learners need to automatize word meanings in context to achieve fluent speech. By assessing automatized vocabulary knowledge (AVK) and declarative vocabulary knowledge (DVK), the team found AVK to be a stronger predictor of L2 speaking fluency.