Linguists should learn to love speech-based deep learning models

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.

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