# Doctoral Dissertation Research: Investigating the linguistic expression of motion

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Texas at Austin (TX) · $18,785

## Abstract

Humans can move through space, detect the movements of other entities, and use language to describe these movements. Linguistic descriptions of motion serve to provide directions, to talk about a trip, and to identify moving objects with respect to their surroundings, including landmarks like forests or rivers. All languages have words for expressing motion, but languages vary widely in their use of additional resources, such as prefixes or suffixes that add further information about motion to a given word. Meanings relating to the expression of motion are also variable across languages and can include quite precise designations – such as motion on an inclined surface or in relation to a river’s flow. Cross-linguistic differences in this domain shed light on the connections between language, cognition, way of life, and environment. This doctoral project trains a graduate student and expands a scientific understanding of the domain of motion expression through language documentation and linguistic experiments relating to motion descriptions. Other benefits to society include the development of a database of annotated recordings that will be archived for others to use, the training of research assistants in aspects of language science research, and the elaboration of materials exploring how motion is represented in language. Moreover, this project supports the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through the creation of linguistically grounded language docum

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2525238
- **Awardee organization:** University of Texas at Austin (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** V6AFQPN18437
- **PI:** Patience Epps
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), DLI-Dyn Language Infrastructure, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT, SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $18,785
- **Funds obligated:** $18,785
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2525238

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2525238, Doctoral Dissertation Research: Investigating the linguistic expression of motion. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2525238. Licensed CC0.

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