Just as many pesticides mimic the hormonal and chemical signals of pests to drive certain behaviors that lead to eradication, this work mimics the linguistic signals of humans. I think viewing it metaphorically as the most sophisticated humanicide discovered to date is probably appropriate.
Consider that conventional munitions make an effective pesticide but are not used due to their side effects. Instead, chemicals are used to destroy or mimic the perception and production of various signals so that populations of unwanted critters effectively self-destruct.
Imagine a war fought with a weapon like this that left entire cities perfectly intact!
# end hyperbole