Overview
ETHL is a venue for postgraduate students and early career researchers in Historical Linguistics to engage in theoretical discussions relevant to the issues addressed in this field. We aim to provide young researchers with a platform to explore questions at the intersection of theoretical and historical linguistics, enabling historical linguists to reflect on the role of theory in their work and its relevance to synchronic approaches. Furthermore, we hope to foster connections and build a community of theoretical historical linguists.
In 2025, ETHL Seminar ran with four discursive seminars providing insight into various aspects of theoretical historical linguistics led by Laura Grestenberger, Patrick Honeybone, Ranjan Sen, and George Walkden. The themes of the conference were brought together in a plenary talk by Theresa Biberauer. Read more about ETHL 2025 Seminar.
In 2026, ETHL Summer School delivered a curriculum lead by theoretical historical linguists, providing a crash-course into the what and why of theoretical historical linguistics providing a comprehensive overview of this emerging discipline. Classes focused on the interaction of theoretical (generative theory of mind) and historical Linguistics, thus bringing together research in historical syntax, phonology, and morphology to holistically address the relation of all modules of grammar to diachronic change. Read more about ETHL 2026 Seminar.
