Outliers in language structures - a systematic approach

Abstract

This talk introduces the new RJ Program “Unexplored language phenomena (UNLAP): Identifying, documenting, and explaining the outer reaches of human expressive capacity” (2026‒2031) in which Gothenburg is one of the collaborating partners.

In the program, we aim to systematically investigate linguistic outliers: rare phenomena that are often discovered by accident in languages of the world. UNLAP develops a methodology for exploring these outer reaches of linguistic diversity. We target underexplored languages and domains to systematically probe structural possibilities. Focusing on selected subthemes of the program and the East Bantu Observatory, we present how this approach is put into practice, combining systematic cross-linguistic investigation with in-depth, language-specific fieldwork. Examples include the linguistic representation of landscape and environment, with data from ongoing fieldwork in East and Southern Africa.

The Linguistic Forum

The Linguistic Forum is an informal meeting place for all linguists working at the Faculty of Humanities. We are a faculty-wide seminar activity with financial support from the faculty (since 2020). Our aim is to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration between the faculty's linguists.
Read more about the Linguistic Forum here (in Swedish)

Mailing list

To register to our mailing list and get information on upcoming events, send an email to anmalan.epostlista@sprak.gu.se and ask to be added to "Språkvetenskapligt forum".