Hey everyone, Zui here. I want to announce that I am going on a short break in March 2026. I know that this breaks my couple-year-long streak in writing weekly essays, but there are some reasons underlying this. In addition to balancing between work and my time dedicated to The Language Closet, I want to take the time to read into some topics I would want to do a deep dive on, and share on here some time later, particularly in the section The Journal Club.

Firstly, a life update. I think I have communicated this once before, but anyway, since January 2025, I have been working on my doctoral studies, and there is some balance between my research and academic work and my time as a writer and language blogger that has to be achieved again. I am generally quite wary about falling behind schedule, and so, I would like to take some time to prioritise my work for now.

Amongst the topics I want to read more about, one pertains to the use of computational linguistics in evaluating word order, which I want to understand the more intricate theory bits that underlie the computational methods used. Some of these methods involve language models and information theory, which I would like to read and learn more about. As such, I want to take more time out to properly read up on the topic at hand, before actually dissecting the word order part that computational linguistics methods were applied onto. I could also share some theory about computational linguistics methods that I have encountered and learned, and aim to communicate these as accurately as possible. Other projects I have in mind also include trying my hand at the traditional Mongolian script again, as well as learning how to write Akkadian cuneiform.

So, yes. I will be going on a particularly extended break in March 2026 to prioritise my PhD work, and also read up on these topics that have greatly piqued my interest, and eager to share as accurately and informative as possible. I will be returning on Saturday, 4th April 2026, so see you then.

-Zui