Number systems and distinctions

The podcast discusses the various distinctions and systems of grammatical number. It explains that number can be a restricted category, with some languages only obligatorily marking number on pronouns and optionality for nouns referring to humans. The most basic system is the singular and plural distinction, where the singular form serves as the basic form and the plural is marked somehow. Some languages also have a dual number for exactly two of something and a trial number for exactly three. Additionally, there can be a distinction called apocalyptic, which refers to a few of something and is relative to a point of comparison. The podcast also mentions that number marking can be present on core arguments of the verb, such as noun phrases, pronouns, or person affixes on the verb.