Johann-Mattis List

Johann-Mattis List is a Full Professor leading the Chair of Multilingual Computational Linguistics at the University of Passau, and a Senior Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (2021-2024). His research bridges bioinformatics and linguistics through quantitative approaches to language evolution and historical comparison.

His research program develops computational methods for:

• Phylogenetic reconstruction of language families
• Cross-linguistic semantic analysis (colexification patterns)
• Automated detection of lexical borrowing
• Sound correspondence modeling
• Database development for linguistic typology

Recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate strong focus on:

• Large-scale lexical databases (Lexibank, CLICS)
• Automated phonological reconstruction
• Cognate detection algorithms
• Semantic change quantification
• South American and Sino-Tibetan language histories

Methodologically, they combine phylogenetic modeling, information theory, and machine learning with traditional historical linguistics.

He leads the CALC/MCL laboratory developing open-source tools like EDICTOR and CLDFBench. Current projects include computational analysis of numeral systems, sign language evolution, and refinement of reflex prediction models.