Human technology, such as smart voice assistants or computer-based intelligent tutoring systems, is largely based on standard American English and the misconception that there is a single, idealized variety of American English. This conflicts with the linguistic diversity of language users. 

“Linguistic diversity across the lifespan: Transforming training to advance human-technology interaction” (LinDiv) is a two-year graduate certificate program offered through the Center for Language Science in Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts.

Rupak Das, Mahjabin Nahar and Nafis Tripto — doctoral students in the College of IST’s informatics program — have been accepted to LinDiv’s fall 2024 cohort. Das is advised by Jonathan Dodge; Nahar and Tripto are advised by Dongwon Lee. 

The goal of this U.S. National Science Foundation research traineeship program is to educate a new generation of experts in human-technology interaction who can bridge the gap between human linguistic diversity and technological linguistic illiteracy. The program will train a diverse transdisciplinary workforce to create knowledge and translate research outcomes into technological solutions that alleviate social, educational and economic disparities for linguistically diverse populations.

 Students receive a one-year fellowship that includes tuition and stipend. They cap their coursework with a summer internship — also covered by the fellowship — with academic or private-sector extramural partners to support careers bridging linguistics and technology. The program culminates in a linguistic diversity and technology graduate certificate. 

LinDiv will train students in the skills and knowledge to successfully function in transdisciplinary teams, equip them with professional development skills to function effectively in a modern and inclusive workforce and prepare them for a wide range of career paths in the U.S. and abroad. LinDiv trainees will advance and empower diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.