Large language models are not about natural language

Behavioral and Brain Sciences 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Johan J. Bolhuis, Andrea Moro, Stephen Crain, Sandiway Fong
DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x26104622
Cited by: 0
References: 24

Abstract

Large Language Models are useless for linguistics, as they are probabilistic models that require a vast amount of data to analyze externalized strings of words. In contrast, human language is underpinned by a mind-internal computational system that recursively generates hierarchical thought structures. The language system grows with minimal external input and can readily distinguish between real language and impossible languages.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Language and cultural evolution Natural Language Processing Techniques Machine Learning and Algorithms

Publication details

Journal / source
Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Volume
49
Pages
e201–e201
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN