Collaborative Growth: When Large Language Models Meet Sociolinguistics

ABSTRACT Large Language Models (LLMs) have dramatically transformed the AI landscape. They can produce remarkable fluent text and exhibit a range of natural language understanding and generation capabilities. This article explores how LLMs might be used for sociolinguistic research and, conversely, how sociolinguistics can contribute to the development of LLMs. It argues that both areas of research will benefit from a thoughtful, engaging collaboration. Sociolinguists are not merely end users of LLMs; they have a crucial role to play in the development of LLMs.