Not-So-Strange Love: Language Models and Generative Linguistic Theories are More Compatible than They Appear

Abstract

Futrell and Mahowald (2025) frame the success of neural language models (LMs) as supporting gradient, usage-based linguistic theories. I argue that LMs can also instantiate theories based on formal structures - the types of theories seen in the generative tradition. This argument expands the space of theories that can be tested with LMs, potentially enabling reconciliations between usage-based and generative accounts.

Accepted to Behavioral and Brain Sciences; 4 pages; Commentary on "How Linguistics Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Language Models" by Richard Futrell and Kyle Mahowald