Prof. LI Ping, Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies

Language Sciences in the Era of Digital Technology and Generative AI: Some Examples. Highlights in the Language Sciences Conference 2024. Donders Institute for Brain, Cogntion and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, 8-11 July 2024.

Abstract
With the rapid developments in digital technology and generative AI, researchers are assessing the impacts that these developments bring to various domains of scientific studies. For language scientists, such impacts can present a number of challenges to the traditional methods of doing language research. In this talk, I describe how we make use of the positive dimensions of digital technology and generative AI in our research. Specifically, I will discuss examples in which our experiments enhance second language learning through the use of immersive virtual technologies, and the benefits that such learning may bring to the linguistic brain. Further, I will discuss the model-brain alignment approach that leverages progress in large language models (LLMs), especially in the context of naturalistic language comprehension in both native and non-native languages. This approach also allows us to uncover the role of individual differences underlying language learning and representation. Overall, our work suggests that digital technology and generative AI, while presenting serious challenges to our sciences and the society, can positively influence the future of language science research.