NYU League of Linguistics

Author: Theodore Fitzgerald Avedisian Van de Walle

  • Reading Group 1: Exploring Endangered Languages

    Hello linguists!

    Our first reading group of the semester is coming up, and we’re diving into some of the world’s most endangered and linguistically fascinating languages. Join us for a discussion and interactive presentation where we’ll explore the rare features of endangered languages, why some languages survive while others fade, and what this all means for linguistics as a field.

    Upcoming Event

    🗓 Reading Group 1: Endangered Languages

    Wednesday, Feb 5 | 6:30 PM | 10 Washington Pl, Room 103

    From Austronesian syntax to Mayan phonology and Bantu morphology, we’ll examine three major language families and highlight individual endangered languages that exhibit rare and unexpected linguistic properties. Expect a mix of structural analysis, real-world case studies, and interactive discussion questions designed to push our thinking on language endangerment.

    📚 Pre-event reading/videos: Find materials here.
    🍴 Light snacks provided.

    Stay Connected

    📱 Follow our Instagram for updates.
    📅 Add this event to your Google or Apple Calendar.
    📍 Look for our flyers at 10 Washington Place—updated frequently with new events!
    🖥 Bookmark this page for regular updates and reading group summaries.

    We hope to see you there! Whether you’re interested in linguistic typology, sociolinguistics, or just love languages, this session will offer something intriguing for everyone.

    Best,
    LoL E-Board

  • Spring ’25 Launch: Arrival Movie Night and All-New Reading Groups!

    Hello linguists!

    Welcome back to campus—and to our new website! The League of Linguistics E-Board is excited to share our January-February schedule. These events are open to everyone: undergrads, non-majors, grad students, and faculty alike. We hope each event offers something for everyone.

    Upcoming Events

    1. Semester Kickoff: Arrival Movie Night
    🗓 Wednesday, Jan 22 | 6:30 PM
    Join us for a screening of Arrival, followed by a live Zoom Q&A with the movie’s linguistic consultant, Jessica Coon! Our discussion will explore the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (ie, how language may or may not affect our perception of the world), writing systems, and fieldwork, offering a fun and thought-provoking start to the semester. Optional pre-movie resources are linked here.

    🍴 Note: Dinner and popcorn will be served (of course!).

    2. Bimonthly Reading Groups
    Dive into topics beyond the classroom in a relaxed, peer-led setting! Each session includes:

    • A short intro presentation
    • Discussion questions
    • Optional pre-event readings/videos tailored to your interests: linked here

    🗓 Session Topics:

    • Endangered Languages | Wed, Feb 5 | 6:30 PM
    • Language Revitalization | TBD

    Light snacks will be provided.

    Stay Connected

    📱 Follow our Instagram for updates.
    📅 Add our events to your Google Calendar from the calendar page.
    📍 Check out our flyers at 10 Washington Place—updated monthly with new events!
    🖥 Bookmark this blog for regular updates.

    We can’t wait to kick off Spring ’25 with you! Whether you join us for movie night, reading groups, or both, you’ll find community, conversation, and plenty of linguistic fun.

    All best,
    LoL E-Board