aiqbench analysis
This study investigates the internal representational geometry of pre-trained models, revealing that even architectures with identical capacity organize linguistic nuances like idiomatic versus conventional meaning in fundamentally distinct ways across layers. By combining layer-wise probing with geometric distance measures, the research underscores the necessity of analyzing internal semantic space alignment rather than relying solely on behavioral outputs to evaluate human-model correspondence.
Do LLMs differentiate linguistic traits internally?: A layer-wise analysis
arXiv:2610.15203v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Large language models often produce judgments that resemble human responses, but it remains unclear whether they internally capture linguistic nuances such as conventional versus idiomatic meaning. A layer-wise representational analysis was conducted on two equal-sized pre-trained models, Llama-3.2-1B and Gemma-3-1B-PT, to examine whether and where these models differentiate linguistic traits from input. The analysis combined layer-wise probing with geometric distance measures, using the top embedding dimensions ranked by principal component loadings for each layer. The results show that even with equal capacity, models organize linguistic information in fundamentally different ways, suggesting the need to analyze internal representational geometry, examining not just behavioral outputs but semantic space alignment when evaluating how closely human and model language interpretation correspond.
Title:Do LLMs differentiate linguistic traits internally?: A layer-wise analysis
Abstract:Large language models often produce judgments that resemble human responses, but it remains unclear whether they internally capture linguistic nuances such as conventional versus idiomatic meaning. A layer-wise representational analysis was conducted on two equal-sized pre-trained models, Llama-3.2-1B and Gemma-3-1B-PT, to examine whether and where these models differentiate linguistic traits from input. The analysis combined layer-wise probing with geometric distance measures, using the top embedding dimensions ranked by principal component loadings for each layer. The results show that even with equal capacity, models organize linguistic information in fundamentally different ways, suggesting the need to analyze internal representational geometry, examining not just behavioral outputs but semantic space alignment when evaluating how closely human and model language interpretation correspond.
Computation and Language (cs.CL)
arXiv:2610.15203 [cs.CL]
(or arXiv:2610.15203v1 [cs.CL] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.15203 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.
Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.
Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 221 words
Related coverage
Models Can't Remember Their Training. Neither Can You.
LessWrong · Jul 19, 2026

Research Note: Filtering Subversion-Relevant Information From Pretraining Data Is Feasible
LessWrong · Oct 5, 2026
Reader Proficiency Shapes Layer-wise Surprisal Profiles
arXiv · Oct 1, 2026
When Personality Meets Quantization: A Layer-wise MBTI Analysis of Quantized LLMs
arXiv · Aug 27, 2026