Event

This workshop on dialectal diversification will introduce participants to the principles of historical linguistics and language change through the lens of Armenian dialects, one of Dr. Balabanian's main areas of research. We will begin by exploring the rich diversity of Armenian dialects, providing a research- based overview of how languages diversify over time. We will touch upon the notion of a prestige dialect and standardization.

Next, participants will engage in reflective activities, considering how these processes of language change relate to their own experiences as foreign language educators, and how dialect diversification is a natural and inevitable part of language transmission from generation to generation.

Finally, the workshop will feature a hands-on experiment where participants will simulate linguistic fieldwork, tracing changes in dialect features over time. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of linguistic diversification and a resource guide to integrate historical linguistics into language education.

George Balabanian recently received his PhD from Penn's Department of Linguistics and is a lecturer in Armenian at Penn Language Center. 

Join us early for a light lunch. RSVP strongly encouraged.