Research Interests
1. Theoretical Linguistics
Alignment and Argument Structure
My primary research investigates the nature of split alignment systems in Sorani Kurdish varieties like Ardalani. I explore how case and agreement patterns are conditioned by tense and aspect, arguing for a model where these features are dissociated in the syntactic structure. This also includes work on the stative passive structure and what it can inform us about the argument structure of the verb.
The Syntax-Morphology Interface
I am broadly interested in how syntactic structures are realized morphologically. My work adopts the framework of Distributed Morphology, analyzing phenomena like clitic placement, head movement, and morpheme ordering as post-syntactic operations. This includes the order of operations like Vocabulary Insertion, the factors influencing allomorphy, and the internal structure of derived nouns (nominalization).
2. Human Language Technology (HLT)
Word and Sentence Embeddings
I am interested in computational methods for representing linguistic meaning, particularly how word and sentence embeddings can capture syntactic and semantic relationships. My work in this area explores the application of these models to low-resource languages like Kurdish.
LLMs and Language Acquisition
This research area focuses on using Large Language Models (LLMs) as cognitive models to explore the mechanisms of human language acquisition. I investigate how the learning trajectories and error patterns of LLMs can shed light on the processes and stages of first language learning in children.
Projects
Iranian Languages
Role: Elicitation, Transcription, and Analysis (2020-Present)
This NSF-funded project focuses on the syntax, morphology, and phonology of five Iranian languages. I contributed to the elicitation, transcription, and analysis of the data for Sorani Kurdish.
View Project →Atlas of Kurdish Language
Role: Data Gathering, Manipulation, and Tagging (2018-2020)
My contributions to this project included data gathering, data manipulation, and tagging for a comprehensive linguistic atlas of Kurdish dialects.
View Project →The Coeur d’Alene Online Language Resource Center
Role: Data Preparation (Summer 2021)
I contributed to this project by preparing audio files for the online resource center, which aims to preserve and provide access to the Coeur d’Alene language.
View Project →