Geoffrey Pullum

Geoffrey Pullum is Professor Emeritus of General Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Language Sciences. He previously held the position of Head of Linguistics and English Language at Edinburgh (2008–present) and was a Professor of Linguistics at UC Santa Cruz (1983–2007). His academic journey includes a B.A. (First Class Honours) in Language from the University of York (1968–1972) and a Ph.D. in General Linguistics from University College London (1974–1976).

Research interests span theoretical linguistics, English grammar formalization, syntax, and the philosophy of cognitive sciences. He co-authored the seminal The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (2002) and wrote A Student's Introduction to English Grammar (2005). His work challenges prescriptive grammar myths and emphasizes empirical rigor in linguistic analysis.

Awards include Fellowships from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2003), Linguistic Society of America (2007), and British Academy (2009). He served as Associate Editor of Language (1983–1985) and held visiting positions at institutions like Stanford, Brown, and Harvard.

Grants include NSF-funded research at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (1990–1991) and leadership in the Jacob R. Javits Fellowship Program (1992–1993). Active in academic service, he chairs editorial boards for journals like Linguistic Analysis and the Oxford International Encyclopaedia of Linguistics.