Abstract: Subregular linguistics is a recent research program that draws heavily from formal language theory but enjoys two noteworthy traits:
1. the key concepts are intuitive and easy to visualize without the use of any mathematics, and
2. its computational machinery is very sensitive to minor differences in empirical phenomena.
This makes it easier than ever before to pursue generative analysis through a computational lens, which in turn reveals unexpected parallels between language modules and provides computationally grounded third-factor explanations for various aspects of language.
This course will introduce you to the essential concepts of subregular linguistics and how you can apply them to your own research. We will start with string-based models of phonology and semantics (yes, semantics) and then generalize those ideas to trees in order to tackle syntax. Among other things, we will see how subregular linguistics i) derives Move from Merge; ii) explains the existence of island effects; iii) reveals cognitive parallels between vastly different language modules; iv) unifies seemingly unrelated phenomena like unbounded tone plateauing and complementizer wh-agreement. The mini-course will provide you with everything you need to get started on an empirically-minded journey down the subregular rabbit hole.