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On the relationship between theoretical and empirical research in linguistics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2026

Luca Capone Open the ORCID record for Luca Capone [Opens in a new window]  and
Alessandro Lenci Open the ORCID record for Alessandro Lenci [Opens in a new window]
Luca Capone
Affiliation:
CoLing Lab, Department of Philology, Literature and Linguistics, University of Pisa, Italy luca.capone@fileli.unipi.it alessandro.lenci@unipi.it
Alessandro Lenci*
Affiliation:
CoLing Lab, Department of Philology, Literature and Linguistics, University of Pisa, Italy luca.capone@fileli.unipi.it alessandro.lenci@unipi.it
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Language models (LMs) call for a theoretical rethinking grounded within linguistics itself. Rather than signalling the “end of linguistics” or merely encouraging interdisciplinarity, LMs function as an empirical testing ground for formal linguistic concepts. They prompt a renewed examination of form–meaning mapping, theoretical autonomy, and the conditions under which computational systems can genuinely inform linguistic explanation.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e204
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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