Chao Prize Lecture - Professor Charles B. CHANG
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Chao Prize Lecture - Professor Charles B. CHANG

Speaker: Prof. Charles B. CHANG, Chao Prize Laureate 2026 (Early Career Contribution Award) 

Date: 8 May 2026 (Friday)
Time:4:15pm - 5:15pm
Venue:   Function Room 5-6, Basement 1, Hotel ICON


Topic: Language Users as Chameleons

Abstract: Are humans more like the adaptable chameleon or the unchanging leopard when it comes to their mother tongue? In this lecture, I will present evidence of the remarkable malleability of early-learned spoken languages, suggesting that humans are more like linguistic chameleons. Drawing upon findings from phonetic accommodation, phonetic drift, and phonetic and phonological attrition, I will show that languages learned in childhood remain highly sensitive to context, broadly construed, adapting to different interlocutors, to a new language in the mental repertoire, and to fluctuations in the language environment. Crucially, I will argue that dynamic changes in the way individuals produce and/or perceive a language need not constitute a loss, but should rather be viewed as the natural outcome of our linguistic adaptability.

Remarks: 

  • Participants of 2026 International Symposium on Language Science (ISLS) need not register again.
  • Limited quota. Seats will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • If you also wish to register the Chao Prize Lecture by Prof. Brian MACWHINNEY, please click here.
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