Well, without knowing the specific collection in detail, generally Ted Chiang's works are known for their high - concept ideas. His stories are likely to include elements like exploring different forms of consciousness. In the context of 'ted chiang year's best science fiction', it could feature stories where he plays with the idea of how communication between different species or entities could change our understanding of the world. His writing is often praised for its ability to blend hard science with emotional and philosophical depth.
One of the notable works could be 'Story of Your Life' by Ted Chiang. It's a brilliant piece that explores concepts like time and language in a unique way. The way Chiang weaves the narrative around the alien encounter and the protagonist's experience learning their language is truly captivating.