Paper Argues Formal Language Properties Should Constrain Neural Models

A new arXiv preprint argues that current neuroscience and language-model research mostly checks whether brain signals or model layers can predict annotated linguistic variables, which shows correlation but not how language is actually implemented. The author proposes instead deriving what a neural system must be capable of from the formal properties of language itself, then treating those requirements as constraints on neural dynamics. This reframes the goal from prediction accuracy toward identifying the mechanisms a system needs in order to support language.