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Research PaperResearchia:202512.152d6750

Large language models are not about natural language

Johan J. Bolhuis

Abstract

Large Language Models are useless for linguistics, as they are probabilistic models that require a vast amount of data to analyse 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.

Submitted: December 15, 2025Subjects: Neuroscience; Neuroscience

Description / Details

Large Language Models are useless for linguistics, as they are probabilistic models that require a vast amount of data to analyse 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.

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Date:
Dec 15, 2025
Topic:
Neuroscience
Area:
Neuroscience
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