Cornell University experts use computational, experimental tools for interpretation of linguistic processing

Two recently-hired faculty in the Department of Linguistics are expanding the use of computer modeling and experimental techniques as they forge new paths of research in the discipline.

Marten van Schijndel and Helena Aparicio, both assistant professors in the College of Arts & Sciences, study how humans perform the incredibly complicated task of understanding and processing language. Van Schijndel is also studying how successfully or unsuccessfully computers can replicate that process.

“The field of linguistics as a whole has moved lately to incorporate more computational methods and modeling as well as experimental data,” said Michael Weiss, professor of linguistics and chair of the department. “The appointments of professors Schijndel and Aparicio strengthen our excellence in computational linguistics and expand our experimental research. We are delighted to have added two dynamic and cutting-edge scholars to our department.”