Linguists should learn to love speech-based deep learning models
Computation and Language
2025-12-17 v1 Sound
Audio and Speech Processing
Neurons and Cognition
Abstract
Futrell and Mahowald present a useful framework bridging technology-oriented deep learning systems and explanation-oriented linguistic theories. Unfortunately, the target article's focus on generative text-based LLMs fundamentally limits fruitful interactions with linguistics, as many interesting questions on human language fall outside what is captured by written text. We argue that audio-based deep learning models can and should play a crucial role.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2512.14506,
title = {Linguists should learn to love speech-based deep learning models},
author = {Marianne de Heer Kloots and Paul Boersma and Willem Zuidema},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2512.14506},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
Commentary on Futrell, R., & Mahowald, K. arXiv:2501.17047 (in press). How Linguistics Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Language Models. Behavioural and Brain Sciences