Prof. Dr. Luigi Andriani, Institut für Romanistik, Universität Hamburg

Public lecture as part of the open university lecture series

Language-contact occurs in a wide variety of constellations characterised by the dynamic interplay of multiple factors – from strictly linguistic to individual factors, from cultural and social factors to political ones. All of these have a historical dimension. The specific constellations give rise to linguistic practices shaped by the interactions between languages. These interactions, in turn, foster attitudes that either reinforce and perpetuate asymmetrical contexts or even trigger upheavals. Therefore, language-contact constellations are today also discussed in relation to theories of (post- )imperialism and (post-)colonialism. Language-contact constellations frequently lead to conflicts that might appear superficially to be purely linguistic, but can nonetheless lead to wars.

This lecture series offers the opportunity to explore various theoretical and methodological approaches to language-contact constellations and their effects. The presentations provide insights into linguistic, sociolinguistic, and psycholinguistic research, introducing participants to the fields of Finno-Ugric/Uralic, Romance studies, and Slavic studies – three of the disciplines represented at the University of Hamburg.

Monday 14:15 – 15:45 (CET), Phil-Tower, Von-Melle-Park 6, Lecture Hall F