New Books in Language Ryan M. Nefdt, "The Philosophy of Theoretical Linguistics: A Contemporary Outlook" (Cambridge UP, 2024)
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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.
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Nefdt's Path to Linguistics
- Ryan Nefdt's grandmother wanted him to be an electrician.
- He studied languages, then philosophy of language, before finding theoretical linguistics.
Theoretical Linguistics Defined
- Theoretical linguistics studies the relationship between "Language" (the general concept) and individual languages.
- It explores language acquisition, communication, evolution, and the nature of language itself.
Language as Practice
- Nefdt views language as a practice grounded in conventions within linguistic communities.
- Formal grammars model these conventions, bridging the abstract and practical aspects of language.