CALL: Diversifying the History of Linguistics

The Henry Sweet Society for the History of Linguistic Ideas recognises the need for extending our efforts to diversify our field’s research and documentary base – and the challenges posed to doing so. Until relatively recent times, academic institutions were open only to a narrow range of people, whose historical work tended to focus on forebears who shared their profile. But they were not the only creators of linguistic ideas, and the recorded thought of non-male, non-white, non-European figures remains largely to be rediscovered.

To this end, the Society is aiming to promote and support the creation of a bibliography relating to the diversification of the history of linguistics, to be published in our journal Language & History and on the Society’s website. We invite expressions of interest from scholars at any stage of their careers, from postgraduate students to retirees, to create, lead or participate in this endeavour. The Society is prepared to support this work financially up to the amount of £500.

Applicants are welcome to send a preliminary expression of interest or a detailed proposal. Submissions should be sent to Nicola McLelland (nicola.mclelland@nottingham.ac.uk) by 31 March 2024. We look forward to hearing from you!