Do languages exist? And, if so, where?

The title of this presentation is not: Does language exist? I leave that question to the philosophers.

As educated people in the Western world we have been taught that different languages are used for speaking and writing. Many are also aware of sign languages. The assumed existence of different languages as separate reified entities is thus often taken for granted. The power of some objectified languages is huge, that of others minimal. Languages as objects are used as symbols of national pride, as reasons to start a war, to unite people around a cause, to exclude people from entering a country or a plane, and so much more. Indeed, the ingrained assumption that languages exist as objects often leads to inequities. Thus it is worth reflecting on that existence. How do languages "exist"? And where?

This presentation considers examples from a range of perspectives within the field of linguistics showing how the boundaries between what are assumed to be different languages are often far from clear. More fundamentally, some examples can lead one to challenge the notion of the very existence of different bounded languages. 

Abstract: Annick De Houwer

This workshop is supported by Competence Area IV “Cultures and Societies in Transition” - University of Cologne.

The University of Cologne and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki are celebrating the long-lasting cooperation between our applied linguistics research teams and are inviting you to attend our 2-day-long international Spring School 2021 on the topic of “Multilingualism in educational contexts: Evidence from research outcomes”. Current methods and debates in the study of bilingual, second- and foreign-language learning in education will be covered. It is aimed at advanced BA- and MA-students that are interested in gaining both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in the area of applied linguistic research in educational contexts. The language of instruction will be English and the sessions will be held online via Zoom, on Tuesday 23rd (16:00-18:30 German time) and Wednesday 24th March 2021 (10:50-13:00 German time).

If you wish to participate in our event please send an email to Natalia Nannou (natnannou@gmail.com) by the 18th of March 2021 to express your interest and receive the Zoom link and meeting’s password.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!