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 for the Edinburgh workshop in Theoretical Historical Linguistics are threefold: firstly we want to promote discussion on the role of of linguistic theory in the field of historical linguistics, secondly we aim to provide a space for postgraduate students and early-career researchers from both within and outwith the University of Edinburgh to engage in this discussion, and finally we aim to foster connections between researchers interested in Theoretical Historical Linguistics (THL) at all stages of their careers.
We aim to facilitate the discussion of Theoretical Historical Linguistics, a minority subfield of historical linguistics which focuses on applying cutting edge linguistic theories to historical data as well as using historical and diachronic study to inform linguistic theory. We hope to educate PG students in historical linguistics about the theoretical side of the discipline in seminar style sessions led by leading theoretical historical linguists.
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
ETHL 2026 will be announced in due time.
