language and thought

The Shape of a Word: Intro to Word Embeddings

How does a computer understand that "king" is to "queen" as "man" is to "woman"? We dive into the magic…

10 months ago

The Brain’s Filing Cabinet: What is a Lemma?

Ever had a word on the tip of your tongue? This frustrating moment is a perfect window into the brain's…

10 months ago

The Alphabet That Follows the Sun: The Cherokee Syllabary

The Cherokee syllabary, invented by the brilliant Sequoyah, is more than one of history's greatest intellectual achievements. Its lesser-known secret…

10 months ago

Linguistic Exogamy: Marrying Out to Survive

In certain Amazonian societies, there's a strict rule: you cannot marry someone who speaks your own language. This practice, known…

10 months ago

Are There Any Absolute Language Universals?

For decades, linguists have searched for features shared by all 7,000+ human languages, a quest for a "Universal Grammar." But…

10 months ago

Gender-Neutral Pronouns in Romance

Grammatical gender is a core feature of Romance languages, making gender-neutral expression a complex puzzle. Yet, from the rise of…

10 months ago

Learning a Language with Dyslexia

Learning a new language with dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but it is entirely possible with the right approach. This guide…

10 months ago

Does Learning a Language Prevent Dementia?

The claim that learning a language can prevent dementia is popular, but what does the science say? While it doesn't…

10 months ago

The Truth About the ‘Critical Period’

Is it too late to become fluent once you're an adult? We debunk the persistent myth of the 'critical period'…

10 months ago

Learning a Language with ADHD: A Guide

For those with ADHD, the initial excitement of learning a new language often gives way to frustration, but it doesn't…

10 months ago

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