Linguistics Colloquium Speaker: Daniel Kaufman

The Department of Linguistics proudly presents Dr. Daniel Kaufman, Professor at Queens College, City University of New York. Dr. Kaufman will speak on "Computational implementation towards a more practical, responsible theoretical linguistics". This talk, based in part on Kaufman, Finkel & Gan (forthcoming), introduces a computational implementation of derivational phonology, realizational morphology and generative syntax using a set of online browser-based programs aimed both at students as well as professional linguists. We discuss an implementation of one of these tools in a semester-long trial and consider the ways in which such software can facilitate the instruction of theoretical linguistics more generally. Beyond pedagogy, I explore how computational implementation offers a glimmer of hope for escaping a profound quagmire of our discipline's own making and a salvo against the looming depredations of AI. Along the way, I will demonstrate the software on several oldies but goodies (the Sanskrit Nati rule, Sundanese reduplication, Tokyo Japanese pitch accent, and the English auxiliary system), as well as novel work in morphophonology.