Articles tagged with Linguistics
Despite scientific progress, public faith in science is collapsing due to the proliferation of digital platforms and the democratization of access to information. This erodes trust as people rely on expert opinions without evaluating scientific claims for themselves.
The new book, written by University of Illinois linguistics professor Ryan Shosted and computer language designer Neal Davis, traces the full story of the Deseret alphabet. The alphabet was developed at a time when the Latter-day Saints moved from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Utah and were struggling to survive in the desert.
Researchers estimate that tens of thousands of languages were spoken between 1,000 and 3,000 years ago, with a peak in linguistic diversity around this time. The decline in language diversity began before modern European colonialism, suggesting a complex history of human cultural exchange.
Researchers created a tool that leverages large language models to build novel languages with unique grammatical structures and vocabularies. The ConlangCrafter tool generates diverse languages, which can be used for creative applications such as video games and movies, or aid researchers in studying poorly documented languages.
Research suggests that speaking more than one language can delay brain ageing and make individuals appear younger. The study found that those who spoke two languages had brains that appeared around six years younger, while those who spoke four languages appeared up to 13 years younger.
A new study by Lancaster University found that the final vowel in words like 'happy' varies clearly by social class across Manchester. Middle-class speakers tend to use a more closed 'ee' sound, while working-class speakers use a more open 'eh' sound.
Researchers analyzed eight aspects of character portrayal in AI-generated stories, finding that AI models tend to 'play it safe' with their characters, leaving them mysterious or fully understood by the end. Human writers, on the other hand, are more willing to leave questions unanswered and let characters remain open to interpretation.
Researchers found that self-focused language increased in the US and Germany over five decades, but remained stable in Japan and Hong Kong. This suggests that cultural contexts influence changes in societal centrism.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have discovered that bilingual brains preserve a shared overall geometric organization despite tuning themselves differently for each language. This 'shared semantic geometry' allows individuals to effortlessly translate thoughts between languages without confusion.
Researchers found that human brains predict word sequences similar to AI language models' processes, suggesting a shared information processing principle. The study's results corroborate key assumptions in cognitive neuroscience, shedding light on the effectiveness of AI language models in various applications.
Bilingual speakers use the same brain areas to adjust words to their grammatical context, indicating a shared neural mechanism for abstract grammatical computations across languages. This finding has implications for language learning, suggesting that existing knowledge may facilitate the acquisition of new languages.
A study found that reading Japanese manga on paper improves comprehension, while also altering brain region activation patterns. The experiment revealed differences in brain activity when reading digital versus printed content.
A new study suggests that modern Japanese speakers are losing the literal meanings of traditional spousal terms shujin (husband) and kanai (wife), which historically reflected Japan's patriarchal roles. However, men still associate these terms more positively than neutral alternatives.
Researchers from Hong Kong Metropolitan University are developing a novel Cantonese post-drinking speech detection system using artificial intelligence. The system will analyze multiple indicators, including speech rate and grammatical structure deviations, to compare users' language performance before and after alcohol consumption.
A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of Witwatersrand has successfully simulated human-like language development in children. The model, which uses deep linear neural networks, demonstrates how language structures and becomes more complex over time, mirroring how humans learn and transmit knowledge.
Researchers create dataset for Meenzerisch dialect, but find large language models fail to understand and produce the dialect correctly. Accuracy rates as low as 4.24% and 0.56% are reported, highlighting need for linguistic diversity in digital applications.
Researchers study vocal fry and find low pitch is the key marker for creaky voice, contradicting popular belief that it's a hallmark of young women's speech. The study reveals social biases, not biological differences, are driving the perception of vocal fry.
Physical exertion impacts breathing coordination with speaking, altering vocal characteristics like pitch, intensity and pause structure. This changes induce measurable effects on speech recognition systems used by emergency responders and wearable devices.
Research highlights sex-dependent auditory variability, with men showing an earlier decline and women experiencing regular monthly changes. The study aims to improve diagnosis and care for hearing loss by recognizing biological differences between the sexes.
Researchers used the Rational Inattention model to analyze large language models' hate speech classification performance, finding that it accurately predicts how their performance changes in different conditions. This analysis can help guide digital communities using LLMs for content moderation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 that analyzes verbal and visual elements. The software, GRAPE-MARS, enables fast labeling of video files and incorporates AI tools for efficient analysis.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.