On Language

In every part of the world, humans piece together sounds, gestures, and written symbols in order to organize, record, and communicate ideas. Whether expressing the deepest of emotions or jotting down a grocery list, nearly all of us use some form of language on a daily basis. Yet, though we are all immersed in language, scholars continue to approach this complex, evolving concept in new and varied ways. How do children first learn the difference between letters and pictures? Does the brain process American Sign Language differently than it does oral speech? What types of questions and problems arise when translating a piece of literature from one language to another? What is linguistic discrimination, and how can we prevent it? Join us to explore the ongoing research behind these questions and more.