[Colloquium] Computational Intelligence "Special Seminar" - Friday 1/25

[Ninfa Mayorga]

Dear Colleagues,

The Computational Intelligence seminar is excited to host Janet Pierrehumbert, Professor of Linguistics at Northwestern University, this Friday from 2-3:00pm in Searle 240a.  Professor Pierrehumber will be presenting "Language Change and Opinion Dynamics" examining the cognitive and social mechanisms guiding linguistic change.  Below, you will find Professor Pierrehumbert's full abstract. Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
James Evans


“Language Change and Opinion Dynamics”

Janet Pierrehumbert
Department of Linguistics
Northwestern University
Friday 2-3:00pm
Searle 240a

The frequency dynamics of linguistic expressions in books, blogs, and tweets is widely studied as a reflection of opinion dynamics. Individual linguistic expressions can also be viewed as instances of collective opinion. The rise of new expressions like “lol” or “addy” resembles other changes in social norms, such as norms in attire, dance, or religious practice. This analogy suggests fresh tools for the quantitative treatment of social factors in language change. At the same time, it rests on cognitive assumptions that require careful evaluation.

Taking a lexico-centric approach, this talk will explore the social and cognitive mechanisms for linguistic changes. What is the relationship between the creation of new forms and their adoption? How fast do changes occur and why? How are changes in vocabulary related to more systematic changes in grammar and pronunciation? To tackle such questions, I will draw on mathematical models and on large scale analyses of colloquial language. I will also sketch experimental studies in progress using computerized language games.



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