Overview
ETHL is a venue for postgraduate students and early career researchers in Historical Linguistics to engage in theoretical discussion relevant to the issues addressed in this field. We aim to provide young researchers with a platform to discuss issues at the intersection of theoretical and historical linguistics, enabling historical linguists to explore the role of theory in their work and its relevance to synchronic theory. Furthermore, we hope to foster connections and create a community of theoretical historical linguists.
Our aims
The overarching goal of ETHL is to promote formal approaches to Historical Linguistics. This is broken down into our three scientific aims that guide the sort of work ETHL engages with and our three educational aims specific to the 2026 summer school.
Scientific aims
- To investigate the relationship of grammar and diachronic change
- To evaluate synchronic theory in terms of its potential to be incorporated into a model of change
- To build a community of theoretically and historically informed generative linguists
Education aims
- To promote thinking about Historical Linguistics through a rigorous scientific framework
- Equip students with tools to analytically approach research problems in THL
- Provide the opportunity for students to gain practical experience of THL research
Our focus on active discussion and participation provides ample opportunity to maximise the potential for developing productive relationships
ETHL 2025
ETHL 2025 ran on 16th and 17th of April in room G06, 50 George Square, in Edinburgh, 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. Check out the past programme for ETHL 2025 Seminar.
ETHL 2026
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. Registration and programme details will announced soon.
