NeuraRec - Comparative Reconstruction of Proto-Languages using Artificial Neural Networks

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $224,769 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Language is a fundamental part of all human societies. Studies of language evolution, from ancient forms to modern languages, contribute to our understanding of populations and the development of modern societies. Recent developments in AI technology make it possible for us to solve questions we have not been able to solve such as reconstructing earlier versions of today’s languages using AI and Artificial Neural Networks. This project creates such AI models to study language evolution using large amounts of data from many past and present languages and advances the development of AI tools in STEM. Reconstructing ancestor languages and earlier states of known languages is pivotal in understanding pathways of linguistic change. The standard method of reconstructing such protolanguages is the comparative method, which works by analyzing systematic correspondences across attested languages of the same family; however, it has several limitations in its present form. The goal of this project is to develop an Artificial Neural Network approach to comparative reconstruction. AI models can take in large and diverse linguistic data and detect complex associations in descendant languages to make accurate inferences about ancestor forms. The project aims at building Neural Networks that can run on large datasets with multiple language families and learn to reconstruct proto-forms by harnessing cross-linguistic patterns. Different model types, architectures, and dataset approaches wil

Key facts

NSF award ID
2517665
Awardee
University of North Texas (TX)
SAM.gov UEI
G47WN1XZNWX9
PI
Frederik Hartmann
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION, LINGUISTICS, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Estimated total
$224,769
Funds obligated
$224,769
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028