Humanities Division

The large language models that power todays chatbots have gotten so astoundingly capable, AI researchers are hard pressed to assess those capabilities it seems that no sooner is there a new test than the AI systems ace it. But what does that performance really mean? Do these models genuinely understand our world? Or are they merely a triumph of data and calculations that simulates true understanding? Emily M. Bender, professor of linguistics at the UW, is quoted.

The University of Washingtons graduate and professional degree programs were widely recognized as among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Reports 2026 Best Graduate Schools released late Monday.

Bonobos grunts, peeps and whistles may share an advanced linguistic property with human language. Shane Steinert-Threlkeld, assistant professor of linguistics at the UW, is quoted.

Rare survey of AI experts exposes deep divide with public opinion. Emily M. Bender, professor of linguistics at the UW, is quoted.

"Songs are not mere entertainment if we consider the case of Japan. There, they can be the very essence of life itself," writes Davinder Bhowmik, a UW associate professor of Asian languages and literature.

"Songs are not mere entertainment if we consider the case of Japan. There, they can be the very essence of life itself," writes Davinder Bhowmik, a UW associate professor of Asian languages and literature.

Alumna Laura Matz told her Classical Greek professor that she was creating an endowment in his honor. He was stunned — and touched. 

As books evolve with new technologies, Geoffrey Turnovsky, professor of French, explores the history of texts — and the reading experience. 

Admitted students and families can engage with the College of Arts and Sciences through several department and program specific events over the next few weeks.

For Valentine's Day, UW News asked 12 University of Washington researchers to share their love stories: What made them decide to pursue their career paths?

Recent CHID grad and current UW Ethnomusicology PhD student Markus Teuton and his band, Joint Souls, are featured in The Daily today, with a video of their recent “Orange Room” live session.

The Year of the Snake begins Jan. 29. Its the first time Lunar New Year is a legislatively recognized (though unpaid) holiday in Washington state, thanks to a bill signed into law last March. Chan L, associate professor of Asian languages and literature at the UW and coordinator of the UW's Chinese program, is quoted.

Lena Khalaf Tuffaha writes with balance: violence and liberation, bias and truth, destruction and possibilities.

David Ryder's photographs have been published in major US publications, including TIME magazine and The New York Times. He got his start as a photojournalist as UW undergrad working at The Daily. 

Christina Chan and her family create jade jewelry inspired by Chinese culture.