Investigating language shift and contact-induced language change

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $116,797 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project supports the documentation, analysis, and revitalization of a language that has undergone significant grammatical change. Grounded in theories of language contact, creole formation, and second language acquisition, the study contributes to our understanding of how languages change and adapt over time. Additionally, all the linguistically annotated texts derived from language documentation projects such as this project create machine-readable infrastructure that is vital for training AI models. The project brings together academic researchers and language stakeholders to document and analyze natural language use, creating educational resources and digital archives, and engages youth in research through training in language documentation and linguistics. This research investigates the structure and evolution of a contact language that has undergone significant grammatical change due to generational shifts and external influences. The project documents forty hours of natural speech through sociolinguistic interviews and linguistic elicitation, which are transcribed, annotated, and analyzed using computational tools. The resulting data feed into an open-access digital corpus. The project advances translational research by transforming theoretical inquiry through collaborative-based research that also supports linguistic vitality. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intell

Key facts

NSF award ID
2524753
Awardee
University of Texas at Austin (TX)
SAM.gov UEI
V6AFQPN18437
PI
Sandro Sessarego
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Artificial Intelligence (AI), LINGUISTICS, DLI-Dyn Language Infrastructure, Translational Research, SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION
Estimated total
$116,797
Funds obligated
$116,797
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
08/15/2025 → 07/31/2028