Post

I hope it's appropriate to share that earlier this week, Professor Ronnie Cann, one of my PhD supervisors, died suddenly. I’d like to remember him publicly; he was brilliant and kind, and I will miss him.

27/3/26, 2:36 pm0 reposts75 likes

Dr Danny Bate

@dannybate.com

27 Mar

Ronnie joined Edinburgh in 1984, although I knew him only as a beloved professor emeritus. Bad thinking had nowhere to hide in supervisions, and he had an uncanny ability to understand (and successfully teach) any theory, while disagreeing with it entirely and developing his own alternative.

Dr Danny Bate

@dannybate.com

27 Mar

A conversation could range from Ancient Greek word order to his personal paradigm of semantics. His contributions to linguistics (books, reviews, lectures) are too many to list. His support for my projects never ceased, and I feel very aware of being surrounded by books he insisted I have from him.

Dr Danny Bate

@dannybate.com

27 Mar

Here he is in action a few years ago, giving his inaugural lecture (a tradition for new professors) and telling us in style to never lose sight of the human individual behind language. Ave atque vale. www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaXG...

youtube.comProf. Ronnie Cann - Doing LanguageYouTube video by The University of Edinburgh

Maia 🏳️‍🌈

@maiainmi.bsky.social

27 Mar

Condolences. Professor Cann will live on in your memories. "Do you not know that a man is not dead as long as his name is still spoken?" (Terry Pratchett)

anyother.bsky.social

@anyother.bsky.social

My condolences

This is very sad news. Ronnie was my Director of Studies (academic supervisor) when I was an undergrad at Edinburgh from 1987 to 1992, and I also took several of his classes. He was a key figure in setting me on the path I'm following today, almost 40 years later. RIP, Ronnie.

Ryan M. Nefdt

@ryannefdt.bsky.social

27 Mar

This is so sad. I was just in contact with him about a book chapter for an upcoming project. I've known him a bit for a few years and he seemed so kind and generous.