New Books in Language cover image

New Books in Language

Ryan M. Nefdt, "The Philosophy of Theoretical Linguistics: A Contemporary Outlook" (Cambridge UP, 2024)

Apr 10, 2025
Ryan M. Nefdt, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cape Town, delves into the intriguing intersection of theoretical linguistics and philosophy. He discusses the 'Goldilocks zone' of linguistic theories, examining the role of social context in syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Nefdt shares his personal journey from multilingualism to academia and explores the links between language, cognition, and action theory. He unpacks the evolution of language, the predictive power of linguistics, and the interface between formal theory and AI, highlighting the dynamic nature of our understanding of language.
01:07:56

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Quick takeaways

  • The podcast introduces the 'Goldilocks zone' in linguistics as a critical intersection of theoretical and practical language studies.
  • Ryan Nefdt emphasizes the need for a broad theoretical framework to bridge the gap between language diversity and philosophical inquiries.

Deep dives

The Goldilocks Zone in Linguistics

The concept of the 'Goldilocks zone' in linguistics is introduced as an intersection between the study of specific languages and the philosophy of language, which encompasses theoretical questions about language. This zone includes various theoretical issues such as syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, alongside debates on the evolution of language and the possibility of different languages. By framing theoretical linguistics not just as a branch of study, but as a unique field that interrogates the relationship between language at a broad level and its practical individual manifestations, significant distinctions are made. The Goldilocks zone emphasizes a balanced exploration of theoretical insights while remaining grounded in the nuances of linguistic communities and their communication practices.

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