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 Van Riemsdijk Foundation under donation VRF‐SS‐2025‐05; the Angus McIntosh Centre for Historical Linguistics, University of Edinburgh, and PhilSoc (Philological Society)

Accommodation and Registration

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

Registration closes on 15 May 2026

Accommodation note: There is an error in the room description on the booking page. All rooms have shared bathrooms.

Programme

To be announced soon

Classes

Each course at ETHL will consist of blocks of 2hr classes – we have chosen this longer format so as not to break the flow of conversation and allow in depth discussion of big issues. Don’t worry – teachers will be advised to build in short breaks to their classes!

ETHL will host courses on Syntax, Phonology, and on their interface, all from the perspective of diachrony. There will also be at least one course dedicated to the philosophy of theoretical historical linguistics that addresses the nature and goals of research in generative historical linguistics.

Some classes will focus on understanding and using theories developed specifically historical work, such as the Life Cycle of Phonological Processes. Whereas others will evaluate synchronic theory on its applicability to historical work asking questions like: how (well) can Distributed Morphology model change?

ETHL will not focus on one specific language or language family and you do not need to have detailed knowledge of any particular language/family to attend. Instructors will use a wide range of examples as necessary to illustrate their theoretical point; they may also choose to offer a deep dive into a particular phenomenon in a particular language - but in this case you will not be expected to have a knowledge of that language.

ETHL 2026 Faculty

Our curriculum is delivered by leading theoretical historical linguists:

Theresa Biberauer

🔗University of Cambridge
Stellenbosch University

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

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Location