(Un)Natural Language

Mou Peijing

Track: Artwork

Keywords: Ecolinguistics, Degrowth, Machine Learning, Net Art, Art-based Research

Abstract: (Un)Natural Language is an artistic computational system that examines how words shape ecological narratives, detecting potential ecological threats in government water-related project documents. Weaving together machine learning, environmental activism, and linguistics, the system offers a new analytical lens for interpreting public documents, uncovering hidden narratives of economic expansion and extractivism. Through a custom-labeled dataset and a fine-tuned BERT model, it reveals and visualizes patterns of pro-growth and ecologically detrimental discourse. Developed into an interactive online archive and installation series, the project reclaims computation as a space for reflection rather than control—inviting viewers to rethink the language shaping our ecological futures.

Submission Number: 103