ETHL

Edinburgh Theoretical Historical Linguistics

Summer School 2026

22^nd–26^th June, at the University of Edinburgh

Overview

The first Edinburgh Theoretical Historical Linguistics (ETHL) Summer School will run from the 22nd - 26th June 2026 at the University of Edinburgh. Our curriculum, delivered by leading theoretical historical linguists, provides a crash-course into the what and why of theoretical historical linguistics providing a comprehensive overview of this emerging discipline.

Classes will focus on the interaction of theoretical (generative theory of mind) and historical Linguistics and the ETHL Summer School will bring together research in historical syntax, phonology, and morphology to holistically address the relation of all modules of grammar to diachronic change. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own research through student talks. These themes will then be brought together in panel discussions.

See the list of ETHL 2026 instructors below.

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.

Our sponsor institutions: ETHL 2026 Summer School is supported by the Angus McIntosh Centre for Historical Linguistics, University of Edinburgh; PhilSoc (Philological Society); and The Van Riemsdijk Foundation under donation VRF‐SS‐2025‐05.

Registration

Registration is currently closed. See you in June!.

Fees for the ETHL Summer School are £60 without accommodation and £350 with accommodation.

The accommodation option includes six nights (21–27 June) in University of Edinburgh student accommodation at Pollock Halls. All rooms are single occupancy with a shared bathroom and access to a shared kitchen. Bed linen and towels are provided. Additionally, a catered breakfast is included!

Registration closed on 15 May. We encourage prospective participants to register early, as places are limited.

Application for bursaries available for students wishing to attend ETHL is currently closed.

Accommodation Information

Accommodation is no longer available to book.

Accommodation for ETHL is booked in Pollock Halls from the 21st - 27th of June. Check-in begins at 15:00 on the 21st and you must have checked-out by 10:30 on the 27th.

Included in accomodation

Amenities: All rooms are single occupancy. Bathrooms are communal with 2-in-1 body wash and shampoo provided. Towels and bed-linen are provided. WiFi is available in all bedrooms and public spaces via Eduroam. You will have access to communal pantries with basic facilities: microwave, toaster, kettle, and fridge. The pantries are equipped with cutlery and crockery but pots and pans are not provided.

Breakfast: Breakfast is included in your booking and will be served daily from 07:30 - 10:00 in the John McIntyre Conference Centre restaurant. A range of food will be provided with options available for common dietary restrictions. Please note that food is prepared in a shared kitchen and the university cannot guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment.

Allergy Statement: While options are available, the University cannot guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment.

Programme

To be announced soon

Curriculum & Faculty

ETHL courses are built around 2-hour intensive blocks. This format preserves the flow of high-level conversation and allows for deep-dives into the "big issues" of diachrony.

We bridge the gap between Syntax and Phonology, exploring their interfaces through the lens of historical change. Our curriculum addresses the very nature and goals of research in generative historical linguistics.

Universal Scope: No specific language family knowledge is required. We use a wide range of global examples to illustrate theoretical points.

Note: ETHL 2026 is fully in-person in Edinburgh. No hybrid options.

Featured Sessions & Instructors

Our curriculum is delivered by leading theoretical historical linguists. Topics are subject to final scheduling.

Theresa BiberauerUniversity of Cambridge | Stellenbosch University
Comparing classical and generative approaches to historical linguistics.
 Anne BreitbarthGhent University
Epistemological considerations of the 'bad data' problem and dialectal mitigation.
 Mark HaleConcordia University
Foundational issues at the heart of theoretical historical linguistics.
Patrick HoneyboneUniversity of Edinburgh
Frequency effects in phonological change favour formal phonology.
Benjamin MolineauxUniversity of Edinburgh
Reconstructing phonology from orthographic evidence.
THEORY DEEP DIVEDistributed Morphology (DM) & Historical LinguisticsRuth KramerGeorgetown University
Intro to DM and the intersection between DM and historical linguistics.
Andrea CalabreseUniversity of Connecticut
Applying the DM framework to the verbal morphology of Latin.

Classes are subject to change. Visit the links in the faculty names for researcher profiles.

Practical Information

Venue & Location

Classes take place in the Dugald Stewart Building (DSB), located in the heart of the University of Edinburgh's central campus.

DSB is fully wheelchair accessible.

Open in Google Maps

Dining in Edinburgh

For dinner, Edinburgh restaurants are not exactly cheap, but it is possible to get a main meal for ~£12 in some places (particularly those geared towards students) although the average price is more like £15.

For lunch, microwaves are available in DSB (although we cannot guarantee fridge access) if you would like to prepare your own lunches. Additionally, DSB is close to a number of shops and restaurants with lunch options less than £10 readily available. The most economical option is a supermarket ‘meal deal’ which includes a snack, sandwich, and drink for £3.5.

Social Activities

We are currently curating a series of social events to help you network and enjoy Edinburgh.

Details to be announced nearer the time

Our sponsors

We thank the following institutions for their invaluable support to the success of ETHL 2026 Summer School.

Contact

Contact the organisers by writing to: seminar [at] ethl [dot] uk

Mailing List

Our mailing list is ethl@mlist.is.ed.ac.uk

How to subscribe to the mailing list? Send an email to sympa [at] mlist.is.ed.ac.uk from your email account. In the subject line of your message, write:

SUBSCRIBE ethl

Wait for a welcome message from ethl@mlist.is.ed.ac.uk to confirm that you have been subscribed.

ETHL

Edinburgh Theoretical Historical Linguistics

22^nd–26^th June, at the University of Edinburgh

Overview

Registration