Department of Linguistics - Northwestern University

Department Highlights

Linguistics at Northwestern

Language is a complex, species-specific system made up of several components (sound, sentence structure, and meaning). The study of linguistics gives us a unique window on the structure of the human mind and the mind's activity.

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NULSA Presents Adam Aleksic: Are We Cooked?

Adam Aleksic, known as "The Etymology Nerd", will speak November 6, 4:00-6:00, at Abbott Auditorium in Pancoe-NSUHS Life Sciences Pavilion. (Note the new location!) Adam is a linguist, influencer, and author of the NYT bestselling book Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language, which explores how algorithms are changing the ways people communicate. The talk will focus on how technology affects vibes -- our emotional, aesthetic appraisals of reality.

Highlights

Remembering Morris F. Goodman (1933-2025). Dr. Goodman was among the first faculty members in the Linguistics Department, which he joined only one year after its founding in 1965. He remained at Northwestern throughout his academic career until his retirement and is remembered for his contributions to Linguistics and African Studies. A memorial service for Dr. Goodman will be held February 20, 2025 in Wilmette. Further information about Dr. Goodman's life and accomplishments can be read in his obituary.