Switch-reference or event-linkage? Chini clause-chaining constructions in narrative and conversation
Lecture
Ever since Jacobsen (1961) identified switch-reference constructions in North American languages, the prevailing view among linguists of diverse theoretical backgrounds has been that switch-reference systems are based on the category of subject (Haiman & Munro 1983). The canonical approach…
After Stella: Taking stock of gender and literature in Australia.
Lecture
Public discussion presented by the ANU School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics and supported by the ANU Gender Institute The past five years have seen a concerted attempt by feminists in the literary world to reveal and shift gender bias in reviewing, awards and publishing. This discussion…
Book launch: Grammaticalization & the Rise of Configurationality in Indo-Aryan
Lecture
Join Uta Reinöhl as she launches her new book at ANU CoEDL Node on June 8th: Uta Reinöhl. 2016. Grammaticalization and the Rise of Configurationality in Indo-Aryan. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Introduction: Prof Nick Evans, CoEDL Director This book examines historical changes in the…
One-step wonder: Why Berwick and Chomsky’s account of language origins is a non-starter
Lecture
Presented by the Centre for Research on Language Change In their recent book Why Only Us? (2015), Berwick and Chomsky present a detailed account of language evolution. In this talk, I explain their account and then diagnose a serious problem with it. Berwick and Chomsky maintain that…
Save the Date: Centre for Classical Studies Seminar
Other
Presented as part of the Centre for Classical Studies Seminar Series All are welcome to attend this seminar; check back soon for more details. After the talk, informal discussion will continue over light refreshments in the Classics Museum.
Eva Hornung’s DogBoy (2009): Bare Life, Narrative and Time
Lecture
Presented by Lucy Neave as part of the SLLL Literary Studies Seminar Series Eva Hornung’s award-winning novel Dogboy (2009) portrays a child raised by dogs in a large Russian city. Having become intimate with a dog pack, Dogboy’s Romochka, only barely participates in the “human” life of the city.…
ANU Languages Showcase
Conference
This event gives year 9-12 students from the ACT and surrounds, the opportunity to come onto campus for an engaging, interactive and first-hand taste of university language studies. The day will feature both short presentations from our leading experts in languages and interactive language…