Project description
Tracing the evolution of semantic structures with advanced statistical models
Of the approximately 7 000 languages spoken in the world, almost half are endangered. Studying them is essential to understanding linguistic evolution and diversity. Many of the languages are documented only by short lists of words. They are typically studied based on linguistic units related to sounds or grammatical function. Semantics – the analysis of the meanings of words and their relation to reach other – is more complicated and rarely employed. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PhLex project aims to use advanced statistical models to trace the evolution of semantic structures, applying ‘phylogenetics’ to ‘lexification’ and opening the door to determining genetic relatedness between languages.
Objective
In historical linguistics, scholars often grapple with limited data. Nearly half of the world's ~7,000 languages are endangered. Many of these languages are under-documented, often reduced to mere short wordlists. This is a pressing challenge, as the scarcity hampers our ability to understand linguistic evolution and diversity. Traditional methods often rely on the form of linguistic units, such as phonemes or morphemes. The PhLex project challenges this by emphasising that semantics, while less explored, is not intrinsically unyielding to analysis. PhLex aims to innovate by incorporating semantic analysis into traditional methods, enhancing both our grasp of linguistic evolution, and thus better utilise under-documented language data. To validate this methodology, the PhLex project will focus on the Oceanic language family, spoken across Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. The first phase involves creating a comprehensive database that explores how these languages articulate concepts related to the semantic domain of perception, like seeing, hearing, and feeling—an area with notable cross-linguistic variation. Subsequent analysis using advanced statistical models traces the historical evolution of the semantic structures, thus applying ‘phylogenetics’ to ‘lexification’, allowing for a comparative assessment against traditional cognate-only methods. The PhLex project’s ultimate objective is to enhance historical linguistic methods by testing a hybrid model that integrates semantic and cognate-based approaches. This model aims to optimise the use of limited linguistic data to provide a nuanced understanding of language origins and evolution. The project thereby opens a new avenue for determining genetic relatedness between languages, an essential factor in understanding linguistic diversification and aiding language preservation efforts in the face of under-documentation.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- humanities languages and literature linguistics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences databases
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75230 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.