Observing Opinions: What are Word Embeddings?

In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Eetu Mäkelä from the University of Helsinki to break down the world of word embeddings. Eetu explains what word embeddings are in simple terms, how they fit into the bigger picture of language models, and why they’re so powerful for exploring relationships in language — from the famous King–Queen example to applications in studying opinions. We look at how researchers can work with pre-trained embeddings or build their own, and how these tools open new ways to analyse language and meaning at scale. Eetu also shares where research on word embeddings is headed next and why they remain central to the evolving field of opinionated communication.