Calls for collaboration
My research is at a stage where specific external expertise would meaningfully advance the program. I am actively looking for collaborators in two domains.
Lambda calculus specialist
Current formal semantics uses lambda notation as a notational convenience, but its theoretical backend remains set-theoretic. Functions are modeled as sets of ordered pairs, and the procedural logic of functions-as-rules is not taken into account. I am developing a foundational shift: adopting pure lambda calculus — where functions are rules of correspondence, not sets — as the central framework for formal semantics. This is not a notational adjustment; it is a paradigm shift with consequences for how we model quantification, definiteness, plurality, and ambiguity. I am looking for a lambda calculus specialist to collaborate on the formal rigor of this program, with a view to joint publications.
Psycholinguist — plurality & quantification
I am developing an ambiguity-based theory of plurality that treats the collective vs. distributive distinction as reflecting two primitive and equally basic notions of plurality — conjunctive plurality and scattered plurality. This hypothesis makes empirical predictions about how speakers process plural expressions, and I am looking for a psycholinguist working at the linguistics-cognition interface to bring experimental evidence to bear on these predictions. Joint publications are the expected outcome.
Full five-year research program (2026–2031)
Overview
This five-year program pursues a unified agenda at the intersection of formal semantic theory and empirical fieldwork on Ivorian languages. It is organized around three theoretical programs — neo-componential semantics, a theory of ambiguity, and minimalist semantics — and a systematic fieldwork component designed both to feed current research and to open new empirical fronts. The program is explicitly collaborative: it welcomes partnerships with formal semanticists, lambda calculus specialists, and psycholinguists working on the relationship between linguistic theory and cognition.
Theoretical priorities
Neo-componential semantics — Consolidating the foundational formalism and refining the method for identifying semantic features. The longer-term goal is to extend the framework to the modeling of complex meanings and their interactions, with ambiguity as a central test case.
Theory of ambiguity — Working toward a rigorous formal model of linguistic ambiguity — one that treats ambiguity as a structural property of language rather than a residue to be eliminated. A framework-independent contribution: formal tools and empirical diagnostics applicable across theoretical frameworks.
Minimalist semantics — Advancing on two fronts simultaneously: resolving key open questions around binding, movement, and displaced constituents under the copy theory of movement; and applying the emerging theory to language data in real time through MA and PhD supervision.
Fieldwork priorities
- Data on ambiguities, semantic effects of movement, and pronominal interpretation
- Data on plurality and universal quantifiers across Ivorian languages
- Data on definiteness and demonstratives across Ivorian languages
- Data on TAM systems across Ivorian languages
- Large corpus data on Wobe — toward a collaborative grammar
- Design of elicitation materials for domains not yet covered
Expected outputs
Publications are the primary expected output. A monograph is envisaged as a longer-term deliverable. Funding is not currently sought but remains a possibility. Supervision of MA and PhD students on related topics is actively encouraged, subject to institutional and administrative feasibility.
Invitation to collaborate
If you are working on a topic that falls within my research area — semantic composition, plurality, quantification, coordination, definiteness, proper names, tense in Kwa languages, or the syntax-semantics interface — and you think my expertise could be useful to your work, I am open to collaboration. Get in touch.
Research areas open to collaboration
- Semantic composition & (de)composition
- Feature theory in formal semantics
- Ambiguities in formal semantics
- Semantics within the Minimalist Program
- Plurality & distributivity
- Coordination
- Nominal semantics: definiteness, proper names, quantification
- TAM in West African languages
- Semantics of Ivorian and Kwa languages
- Syntax-semantics interface
Supervision
I am available to supervise MA and PhD research in formal semantics and at the syntax-semantics interface, subject to institutional and administrative feasibility. If you are considering reaching out, feel free to do so — we can determine together whether a formal supervision arrangement is possible in your context.
Priority areas
- Feature theory in formal semantics
- Semantic (de)composition
- Ambiguities in formal semantics
- Semantics within the Minimalist Program
Further areas of interest
- Coordination
- Plurality and distributivity
- Nominal semantics: definiteness, proper names, quantification
- TAM in West African languages
- Semantics of Ivorian and Kwa languages
- Syntax-semantics interface
Any project falling within my broader areas of specialization is welcome. If you are an institution seeking an external examiner or committee member in these areas, feel free to reach out — subject to administrative feasibility.
Contact
The best way to reach me. I am available for calls and meetings on request — please contact me by email first to schedule.
Response time
I aim to respond within one week. For collaboration proposals, please include a brief description of your project and what you are looking for.