I still think he’s trying to figure out where magic came from. What sparked magic?
Or maybe what caused the cataclysm so it can be avoided in the future.
We know he has focused on [PC] languages, he says as much in one of his POV.
And he seems to be very interested in understanding the concept of all magics, even if it’s just the most basic of how it functions.
Remember how he was able to explain the benders right off the cuff? And iirc he’s also hinted at knowing other forms of magics, just the concepts, but enough to explain.
Other than being an in suffering know it all, why?
I honestly think he wants to know where magic came from, if it is infact intelligent.
After all, magic is the only common link of aberrants (that we know of) and we know that the red guard has a vow to protect the world from stuff that can destroy said world.
So understanding where magic comes from might answer the question of just how dangerous magic is, and also, maybe how to better control it, or at least help minimize outbreaks.
…
And I mean, I can totally see him learning stuff just because he likes knowing
But learning PC languages would help him try to pinpoint when whichever culture started using magic and how
And the how they did it might help him find the absolute start.
I stand by the he is willing to talk to aberrants and the like as normal beings, because he believes (and prob rightly so) that this will make him favorable in their eyes and therefore willing to impart some wisdom that they wouldn’t otherwise share.