Linguistics

Apr 8, 2015

The Linguists Are Coming! The Linguists Are Coming!

NC State linguistics has been cited as the gold standard of community-based research and engagement. Professor Jeffrey Reaser explains why, tells us about a forthcoming national conference for linguists taking place at NC State, and explains why we're so fascinated by dialects and language variation. 

Nov 21, 2014

Film Brings Cherokee Language to Life

If current trends aren’t soon reversed, the Cherokee language will soon go extinct. NC State’s North Carolina Language and Life Project has produced a film documenting the tribe’s efforts and sounding a call to save the language. First Language: The Race to Save Cherokee premieres Friday, Nov. 21, at the NC Museum of History. 

Jul 18, 2014

Embracing Language Diversity at NC State

Humanities and Social Sciences alum Stephany Dunstan's award-winning dissertation focused on how dialects influence the college experience. In typical NC State Think And Do fashion, now she's working with sociolinguist Walt Wolfram and others to apply her findings in ways that raise awareness and celebrate just how richly diverse we are at NC State, every which way we say it. 

Jun 19, 2014

‘Talkin’ Tar Heel’ Explores Dialects

A new book exploring the depth, breadth and variability of North Carolina dialects draws on twenty years of research by Professors of English Walt Wolfram and Jeffrey Reaser and their team. Learn more about 'Talkin' Tar Heel' and the North Carolina Language and Life Project. 

Dec 6, 2013

Wolfram Earns State’s Highest Civilian Honor

Professor of English Walt Wolfram has been honored with the state of North Carolina's highest civilian honor for his commitment to public service. Wolfram received the North Carolina award at a ceremony hosted by Governor Pat McCrory. 

Oct 14, 2013

Linguistics Project the Talk of the Fair

If you speak one of the diverse dialects of North Cackalacky, you'll feel right at home visiting Walt Wolfram's display at the State Fair this month. Speak nicely and you may even get a button, courtesy of the North Carolina Language and Life Project. 

Feb 4, 2013

Core Sounders Premieres

For the Core Sound residents of Carteret County, commercial fishing has been a way of life for three centuries. But the sustained seclusion that has protected their culture—and their dialect—is fast eroding. CoreSounders, a film produced by Distinguished Professor of English Walt Wolfram and directed by the Emmy Award-winning Neal Hutcheson, showcases the unique community of Carteret County. Join us for the film premiere at the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh at 7 p.m. on March 14, 2013. 

Apr 11, 2012

Keeping a Dialect Alive on Ocracoke

Professor Walt Wolfram has taken students to the Outer Banks for spring break for 20 years. The annual expedition at first involved conducting research on the Outer Banks brogue. Now the trip aims to teach young Ocracokers about a tongue rarely spoken by anyone but the elderly. Wolfram says coming back to teach each year brings linguistic insights gleaned from Ocracoke back home.