What exactly is the difference between these two phrases?
(1) [Taro-ga tabeta keeki] 'the cake Taro ate'
(2) [Taro-no tabeta keeki] 'the cake Taro ate'
You might be tempted to say, "They're exactly the same!" but it turns out there's a distinct difference. For instance, when we insert an "adverbial phrase," the sentence with "no" starts to feel awkward.
(3) [Taro-ga Shinjuku-de tabeta keeki]
(4)?? [Taro-no Shinjuku-de tabeta keeki]
Furthermore, it seems that inserting an object also breaks the structure.
(5) [Taro-ga keeki-o tabeta mise] 'the shop where Taro ate cake'
(6)?? [Taro-no keeki-o tabeta mise]
While we could imagine a "Fake Japanese" where (4) or (6) are perfectly acceptable, the natural language we call Japanese simply doesn't work that way. But why is that?

Even the same person might choose A one moment and B the next, depending on their mood or the situation. It is incredibly difficult to definitively say, "People will always behave like this!" The selection of language is no different. However, there are invisible "rules of thumb" (or probabilistic tendencies) that make us lean toward one choice over another. When these tendencies shift, we can say that a language has undergone change. Why do we feel like using "A" in certain contexts? Conversely, when do we find ourselves avoiding it? Let’s take a close look at the fascinating mysteries behind how we choose our linguistic expressions.

Date & Time: July 21 (Mon) 19:00

Location: Samgyeopsal Specialty Restaurant "Damura"