Over the course of human history, thousands of languages have developed from what was once a much smaller number. How did we end up with so many? And how do we keep track of them all? Alex Gendler explains how linguists group languages...

A brief definition of the term historical linguistics and its sub-disciplines. This site is a good starting point for studying and comparing languages

Alex Hawes's article deals with a variety of topics related to primates language and communication skills. Several of the topics covered in the article include Animal Linguists, When Monkey Talks People Listen, Ape Bilinguists, and more.

Interesting research project that provides a database tool for analysis of linguistic data captured on video. There is a free downlad available which may be used with possible upgrades available for purchase.

This site presents the methodology and results of a research study into English accents around the world. (Published 2003)

The study of Native history can be broken into three broad categories, region, culture and language. Three interactive maps provide more information about each cultural, linguistic or regional group. Students are challenged to read and...

Learn about dialects in the German language, including those from the past.

An interesting look at the education system in Ghana, one of the most advanced in West Africa. You can also read about the many languages spoken in this country. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.

When are words just words, and when do words force action? Linguist J.L. Austin divided words into two categories: constatives (words that describe a situation) and performatives (words that incite action). For instance, is a "No...

In this learning activity, students read and listen to English words from the French language.

In this learning module, students see and hear basic Hmong, a Chinese dialect, phrases.

The Mandaeans are a group of people defined primarily by their religious affiliation, which differs from that of their mainly Muslim neighbors in Iran and Iraq. Today they live along the rivers and waterways of southern Iraq and...