UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — What happens when two languages come into contact with one another? How and why does our language change as we get older? What can science tell us about being bilingual and learning foreign languages?
Learn about answers to these and other questions related to language by attending Penn State’s Center for Language Science for their inaugural 2018 Topics in Language Science Lecture Series. The lectures are targeted for a general audience, and no prior knowledge is necessary.
The next seminar is this Saturday, April 21, with Janet Van Hell, professor of psychology and linguistics. In her talk, titled “Bilingualism: Myths and Facts," Van Hell will debunk myths and present facts about learning multiple languages and raising bilingual children.
All of the talks in this series take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in 100 Thomas Building.
The fourth and final lecture, “Language Variation: Why Can’t Languages Just Sit Still,” will take place on Saturday, April 28, with Oklahoma State University professor Dennis Preston.
Previous lectures, including a lecture on “Language Contact” with Richard Page, associate professor of German and linguistics, and Michael Putnam, associate professor of German and linguistics, and “The Paradox of Aging and Language” with Michele Diaz, associate professor of psychology and linguistics, are still available for online viewing here. The final two lectures in the series will also be livestreamed and available for online viewing.
The lectures are free and open to the public, and reservations are not required.
For more information on the 2018 Topics in Language Science April Lecture Series, please visit the Penn State Center for Language Science online at cls.psu.edu and click on the “Events” tab.
Parking is available at the HUB and Eisenhower parking decks. For additional options, please visit transportation.psu.edu.