Center for Language Science at Penn State

Happy #Pride ! It is important to respect & acknowledge a person's gender identity & how we use our language is a good start! This Pride, take the time to understand the use of singular they.

We’re now on Instagram! Follow us @pennstatecls for updates, research highlights, and events like our recent post from Arts Fest. As we shift our focus to Instagram this Twitter account will no longer be active. We hope you’ll stay connected with us there! instagram.com/pennstatecls

The researchers highlight that it’s not the number of languages, but the diversity of speakers and input that are decisive in acquiring the languages. To read more, click here: neurosciencenews.com/multilingualis…

Is more than one language too much for children? A recent study says, “not at all!” When exposed to 2 to 6 languages through different interactive environments, Ghanaian children engage and acquire both local languages and English.

the researchers used genetic data to look at how humans spread across the globe. To read more about how they reached this conclusion, click here: news.mit.edu/2025/when-did-… (2/2)

When did language start? At least 135,000 years ago, according to a recent study that analyzed genetic data from many populations. Because all humans have language and all languages are thought to be related, (1/2)

CLS graduate students, faculty, and staff contributed to making the day successful and fun for all who attended.

On April 2nd, the Center for Language Science (CLS) held their annual Language and Linguistics Day for High Schoolers. Students from several Central PA high schools enjoyed a day of workshops and games that exposed them to different aspects of the field of language science.

Their knowledge of their native language can be helpful in learning a new language if the two are similar, but it can also make learning a little more difficult where the two differ. (15/15)

Yes, children might have an advantage in some regards, but adults do in others. Namely, adults bring their knowledge of how the world works and of their native language, such as how to express events in time. (14/)

Our newest #CLSSpotlight is Alexis Wilt from the dual-title Ph.D. program in German linguistics and language science. Read below to learn more about her! 🧵