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New study: Despite global linguistic diversity, grammar often shares similar structures

A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that around one third of proposed grammatical universals are consistently observed across all languages. The research team used complex statistical methods to analyze a large database of grammatical features and identified recurring patterns in language structures.

SourceSaarland University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2025

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Complex Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2025

Beyond words

Researchers analyzed massive audio recordings to create a dictionary of short melodies in English-language prosody, assigning functions and meanings. They discovered hundreds of basic patterns with linguistic functions, including conveying attitudes such as curiosity or surprise, and identified syntactic rules governing their order.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2025

MSU research: What makes a good headline?

According to MSU research, linguistically simple headlines engage readers more than complex ones. The study found that simplicity impacts how often people click on stories, leading to increased demand for good journalism. By writing simply, news organizations can make their content more approachable and accessible to a wider audience.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 5, 2024

Q&A: UW research shows neural connection between learning a second language and learning to code

The study reveals that experienced programmers exhibit brain responses similar to those of fluent readers processing sentences, indicating a strong resemblance between learning computer and natural languages. The research suggests that understanding how people learn to code can be informed by expertise in second-language learning.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2024

Study examines role of working memory, cognitive functions in English learners learning to write

Researchers found that working memory was the most significant predictor of writing ability among English learner students. Cognitive functions such as phonological awareness and oral language development were also important, but only working memory consistently predicted higher scores in writing.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

AI that can learn patterns of human language

Researchers from McGill University and MIT developed an AI system that can learn the rules and patterns of human languages on its own. The model automatically generates higher-level language patterns that can be applied to different languages, achieving better results.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2022

Persistent gender bias found in scientific research and related course materials: A long-term linguistic analysis

Two studies published in Language reveal persistent gender bias in both peer-reviewed journal articles and course materials used in linguistics. Linguistics textbooks exhibit male-gendered protagonists more often, while research articles show stereotypes about men and women, with non-binary identities absent.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Male mice model human speech defect

Researchers at Duke University found that male mice carrying a genetic mutation known to affect human speech struggle with sequencing phonemes into words. The study used new statistical tools to analyze the structure of ultrasonic mouse songs, revealing a similar impact on sequence complexity as seen in humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2016

Syntax is not unique to human language

Researchers found that Japanese great tits use specific rules to combine calls and convey compound messages, demonstrating non-human syntax. The study suggests that syntax may be a general adaptation to social complexity in communication systems.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2016

Bird communication: Chirping with syntax

Researchers discovered Japanese great tits have developed syntactic rules, combining calls like 'ABC' and 'D' to convey specific meanings. These birds use these rules to deter predators and attract partners, demonstrating a complex form of communication.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2016

ESC/EACTS revascularization guidelines stress benefit of revascularization in stable CAD

The 2014 ESC/EACTS revascularisation guidelines emphasize the therapeutic benefit of revascularisation in coronary artery disease (CAD) for patients with stable CAD. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) reduces the risk of death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularisation compared to medical treatment. DES are favored over b...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2014

Steganography is no laughing matter

A new method called Jokestega uses automatic joke generation to hide secret messages in plain text documents, avoiding grammar disruptions. The technique takes advantage of recent software that can create pun-type jokes, allowing for efficient and humorous message concealment.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateMar 12, 2013

Predicting what they say

A study published in Language reveals that people are remarkably accurate in predicting the syntax of others' speech, thanks to their knowledge of linguistic probability. This skill has significant applications for educators, entrepreneurs and those working with individuals with language disorders.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateMar 29, 2010