Babel Unbound: Decoding Language Diversity

Have you ever wondered why the world is home to so many languages or how we even decide what counts as a language or a dialect? In this class, students will explore the incredible diversity of human communication, dive into the historical debates about the “first” language, and uncover the challenges of naming and categorizing languages. Through thought-provoking activities and engaging discussions, learners will discover how every language reflects the creativity and complexity of human culture.

Students will learn about:
The diversity of languages around the world and why some remain poorly understood.
The historical debates about the "first" language.
The challenges of counting and categorizing languages and dialects.
The cultural, historical, and social factors that shape how we view and name languages.
What topics will you cover?
How many languages are there in the world, and why is this hard to answer?
The blurred lines between languages and dialects.
How linguistic regions are mapped and why some remain mysteries.
The significance of language diversity and its role in culture and identity.
How is your class structured?
This course is structured as a combination of interactive lectures, group discussions, and activities. Each session will include:

I use a mix of engaging slides, video clips, and real-world examples to make complex ideas accessible and relatable. I encourage open discussion and participation, creating a collaborative and curious learning environment. Activities will include small challenges like identifying and comparing dialects or exploring language maps.

My teaching style is interactive and student-focused. I aim to create a balance of structure and exploration, allowing students to guide some of the discussion based on their interests while ensuring they leave with a strong understanding of key topics.

Learners will have plenty of opportunities to interact through discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and group activities. Each class will include a mix of lecture and active participation to ensure that every learner has a voice and stays engaged.