The Dissenter

#1039 Jonathan Bobaljik: Linguistics, Morphology, Syntax, and Universal Grammar

Dec 30, 2024
In this engaging conversation, Jonathan Bobaljik, a Harvard linguistics professor and author of 'Universals in Comparative Morphology,' dives deep into the fascinating realms of morphology and syntax. He discusses the relationship between morphemes and their meanings, showcasing experiments like the WUG test which reveal children's innate grasp of language. The dialogue also tackles Universal Grammar, challenging traditional theories and exploring cognitive constraints in language learning, while highlighting cross-linguistic comparisons that enrich our understanding of linguistic structures.
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