Why do languages change the way they do and are concepts like ‘language’, ‘grammar’, ‘community’, identity’ meaningful?
“We will explain how we work together in this theme group as members belonging to different disciplines and sub disciplines. The overarching theme of our theme group is local identity construction in center-periphery dynamics through languagecultural practices. In doing so, we are engaging with issues how language norms are produced, followed, upheld, resisted and rejected. The questions we will raise in this seminar is: How is language use involved in processes of inclusion and exclusion; Why do languages change the way they do and Should we get rid of old-fashioned concepts like ‘language’, ‘grammar’, ‘community’, identity’?”
The NIAS Seminar series given by Fellows of the current research group is a sequence of lectures set up each academic year by the Rector of the Institute. The lectures are meant to appeal to interested parties from a wide range of backgrounds.
The series aims to encourage closer contact with the various Dutch academic institutions and advance public understanding of the research the Institute aims to stimulate and promote. The lectures are always followed by an open discussion, which is considered a vital part of the seminar.
The monthly seminars take place in the Lecture Room (NIAS, Meijboomlaan 1, Wassenaar, telephone +31 (0)70-5122 700). The Seminar of 3 April starts at 11.00. Changes in the programme may occur, so, please let us know if you wish to attend. For further information contact communication@nias.knaw.nl.