Categories
Syntax Sociolinguistics Morphology Culture

A Heckin’ Good Syntax: The Surprisingly Complex Grammar of DoggoLingo

Estimated read time 6 min read

Beyond the cute misspellings of “doggo” and “pupper,” the internet phenomenon of DoggoLingo has developed its own surprisingly consistent grammatical rules. From its distinct morphology to its unique syntax, this playful online dialect demonstrates the fundamental human drive to create systematic language. Analyzing its structure reveals a complex system built on empathy, community, and our heckin’ good love for our pets.

Categories
Computational Linguistics AI Psycholinguistics

The ELIZA Effect: Why We Talk to Chatbots Like They’re Human

Estimated read time 6 min read

Have you ever found yourself saying “please” and “thank you” to a chatbot or voice assistant? This is the ELIZA effect, our tendency to unconsciously attribute human-like intelligence and empathy to computer programs that mimic conversation. This post dives into the psychology behind this phenomenon, its origins with a 1960s “digital therapist,” and the clever linguistic tricks developers use to make machines feel more human.