Elitzur Bar-Asher Siegal

My research integrates philology, theoretical linguistics, and philosophy, because their combination often clarifies questions that each field approaches differently. I work primarily on Hebrew and Aramaic across periods and registers, combining close textual analysis with formal approaches to syntax and semantics. In this context, my work on causation, negation, and predication offers concrete examples of how semantic analysis can inform (and be informed by) philosophy of language. Within the interface between linguistics and philology, I develop and apply approaches in formal diachronic semantics, using historically situated textual data to refine explicit models of meaning change.

My research interests include historical linguistics, syntax, and semantics, with particular emphasis on negation, reciprocal constructions, possessive constructions, non-selected datives, and causative constructions. I have also written on the history of linguistics (especially the theoretical foundations of Ferdinand de Saussure) and on linguistic research in dialogue with Jewish Studies.

I supervise students working on a wide range of topics in Hebrew language and linguistics.