Professor Dr. Hilda Koopman

Biography

Hilda Koopman is a distinguished research professor emeritus at UCLA's Department of Linguistics, known for her foundational work in theoretical and field linguistics. With a Ph.D. from the University of Tilburg in 1984, she has made significant contributions to syntactic theory and morpho-syntax. Her research focuses on the design specifications underlying human languages, investigating the abstract models of language structure and the interaction between syntax and phonology. Koopman's scholarship is characterized by extensive fieldwork with lesser-described languages, emphasizing collaboration with native speaker linguists. Prominent in her work is the exploration of asymmetries in word order, particularly through the lens of Anti-symmetry Theory introduced by Richard Kayne. Her ongoing projects delve into typological analysis of syntax and language variation, notably through the TerraLing database, which she co-manages. Throughout her career, she has presented her findings at numerous international conferences, contributing significantly to advancing our understanding of comparative syntax and the locality principles governing language systems.

Research Interests