Description
What languages are spoken in Europe? The first ones that come to mind are the large national languages like French, German, English, Spanish, and Italian. But there are over 400 languages currently spoken on that continent, and in this interactive conversation we will explore some of lesser-known tongues such as Catalan and Corsican, Welsh and Breton, Basque and Maltese, Yiddish and Romani, and more.
In doing so, we will discover some stunning, if rarely-visited, destinations across Europe and will learn about the history and culture of different groups inhabiting the continent. We will also ask more general questions about how languages change, how they interact and affect one another, and why they might disappear altogether.
Led by an expert on linguistics and history Asya Pereltsvaig, Ph.D., this Conversation will explore the history of many lesser-known European languages, their present-day situation and their future. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of language change and language contact, as well as a desire to explore the many fascinating destinations first-hand.
In doing so, we will discover some stunning, if rarely-visited, destinations across Europe and will learn about the history and culture of different groups inhabiting the continent. We will also ask more general questions about how languages change, how they interact and affect one another, and why they might disappear altogether.
Led by an expert on linguistics and history Asya Pereltsvaig, Ph.D., this Conversation will explore the history of many lesser-known European languages, their present-day situation and their future. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of language change and language contact, as well as a desire to explore the many fascinating destinations first-hand.
Lectures
Lecture One – Catalan and Corsican:
During our first week together, we will discuss the romance language family. What does it mean for languages to be related? We will also discuss how language boundaries often differ from national boundaries.
Lecture Two – Welsh and Breton:
During our second session, we will examine several Celtic languages and cultures. If time allows, we will also discuss several Semitic languages.
Lecture Three – Basque and Maltese:
During our third session, we will study several Non-Indo-European languages of Europe.
Lecture Four – Yiddish and Romani:
During our final week together, we will examine the relationship between Yiddish and Romani languague.
During our first week together, we will discuss the romance language family. What does it mean for languages to be related? We will also discuss how language boundaries often differ from national boundaries.
Lecture Two – Welsh and Breton:
During our second session, we will examine several Celtic languages and cultures. If time allows, we will also discuss several Semitic languages.
Lecture Three – Basque and Maltese:
During our third session, we will study several Non-Indo-European languages of Europe.
Lecture Four – Yiddish and Romani:
During our final week together, we will examine the relationship between Yiddish and Romani languague.
About Your Expert
Asya Pereltsvaig received a PhD in Linguistics from McGill University and has taught at Yale, Cornell and Stanford, as well as in several U.S. and European universities. Her expertise is in language and history, and the relationship between them. Her most recent books, Languages of the World: An Introduction, 3rd edition (2020) and The Indo-European Controversy: Facts and Fallacies in Historical Linguistics (2015) were published by Cambridge University Press.
FAQ
How does it work?
This is a four-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture.
This is a four-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture.
When will I receive the Zoom link?
Your link to enter the Zoom room will be the same for all sessions. It will be sent to the email address used to place your order 30 minutes prior to each lecture's start time.
Your link to enter the Zoom room will be the same for all sessions. It will be sent to the email address used to place your order 30 minutes prior to each lecture's start time.
Is there a reading list in advance?
Though the course is open to participants with no background on this topic, there are suggested readings for further investigation. These will be provided at the course's conclusion.
Though the course is open to participants with no background on this topic, there are suggested readings for further investigation. These will be provided at the course's conclusion.
How long are the lectures?
Each lecture is 90 minutes long with time for Q&A.
Each lecture is 90 minutes long with time for Q&A.
How much is the course?
The course is $140 USD for four lectures.
The course is $140 USD for four lectures.
Is a recording available?
Yes. All registered participants will be sent a recording link within 48 hours of each session's conclusion. It will be available to re-watch for 30 days after the course concludes.
Yes. All registered participants will be sent a recording link within 48 hours of each session's conclusion. It will be available to re-watch for 30 days after the course concludes.
Audience
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
Duration
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.