Andrew Wedel

Andrew Wedel is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on phonology, language evolution, and computational models of linguistic patterns. He investigates how phonological systems and lexicons evolve under pressures of communicative efficiency, incremental processing, and probabilistic optimization.

Key research themes include:

• Phonological contrast maintenance and neutralization
• Lexical structure optimization (e.g., Huffman coding principles)
• Evolutionary simulation of language change
• Interaction between speech production/perception and lexicon design

His work bridges theoretical linguistics, psycholinguistics, and computational modeling, often using evolutionary algorithms to explain cross-linguistic patterns. Notable contributions include demonstrating how predictability shapes phonological patterns and how word-initial information is prioritized in phonological systems.

Education: Ph.D. in Linguistics (2004).