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  • Forensic Linguistics Session Now Live on YouTube

    We’re pleased to announce that the 30-minute presentation by Prof. Robert A. Leonard on Forensic Linguistics is now live on our YouTube channel.

    In this lecture, Prof. Leonard shares insights from his extensive experience in using linguistic analysis to solve real-world criminal cases, including identifying authorship through ransom notes and analyzing threatening messages.

    Whether you’re interested in language, law, or criminal justice, this lecture offers a look at the role of linguistics in modern investigations.

    Watch the full lecture here

    Additionally, for those who want to try their hand at some forensic linguistics puzzles, we’ve made the materials available. You can access the puzzle set via the following link:

    Access the puzzles and answer key here

    We hope you enjoy!

    Sincerely,
    LoL

  • Forensics Night Puzzles!

    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for coming to tonight’s event! Posted in the event folder are the training materials Prof. Leonard uses with the FBI that we’re going to take a swing at tonight. There are also some additional puzzles made in-house if you guys make quick work of those or just want a challenge you can take home. There is an answer key for that, also in the drive.

    Stay posted for a recording of tonight’s event on our YouTube. We’ll announce when it goes up here and on Instagram.

    As always,
    LoL Board

  • Decoding Crime: Join Us for Forensic Linguistics Night!

    Ever wondered how language can help solve crimes? Can a ransom note, an online threat, or a suspicious letter reveal the identity of its author? Forensic linguistics is the science of analyzing language as evidence, and at our upcoming event, you’ll get to step into the role of a linguistic detective!

    📅 Date: Tuesday, April 1st
    ⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
    📍 Location: 10 Wash Pl, Room 104
    🍕 Dinner catered!

    What’s happening?

    Guest Speaker: Professor Robert A. Leonard (Hofstra University)
    We’re honored to have one of the nation’s top forensic linguists, Dr. Robert Leonard, join us via Zoom to kick off the event. With hundreds of cases under his belt, he has consulted for the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, Facebook, and the British government, using linguistic analysis to uncover deception, identify suspects, and exonerate innocent people in high-profile cases.

    Linguistic & Cryptographic Puzzles
    After Dr. Leonard’s introduction to methods and some famous cases he’s worked on, you’ll put forensic linguistics to the test with hands-on challenges—specifically material he’s used to train FBI agents.

    Why Attend?

    1. Learn how forensic linguists solve crimes.
    2. Test your language and logic skills.
    3. Meet fellow linguistics enthusiasts and enjoy a catered dinner!
    4. Explore career paths in crime-solving, cybersecurity, and intelligence.

    Want to learn more?

    1. Watch this 5-minute video of Prof. Leonard explaining forensic linguistics.
    2. Check out this 2012 New Yorker article about cases he’s worked on.

    No prior knowledge needed—just curiosity and a love of language! We can’t wait to see you there.

    All best,
    E-Board

  • Now Live: DG2, Language Revitalization

    Dear linguists,
    We have officially launched a YouTube channel to host videos of our events, and we’re thrilled to share our first: the recording of our second discussion group in the Endangered Languages series!

    Last Thursday, members gathered for a conversation about the complexities of language revitalization. We talked about how how languages get revived when intergenerational transmission is fading, as well as what gets negotiated along the way.

    We focused on three case studies:
    1. Hawaiian – a community-led model centered around cultural immersion
    2. Welsh – a state-backed bilingual project with wide reach
    3. Hebrew – one of the most famous (and fraught) examples of full-scale revival

    We asked: What counts as success in revitalization? What has become of our own ancestral languages, and why? And of course—where do we, as linguists, fit in?

    Watch the first 50 minutes
    View the slides and topic overview

    We’ll be back soon with more recordings. Our next meeting—April 1st at 6:30 PM—will focus on forensic linguistics: how experts use linguistic analysis to help solve crimes and exonerate innocent suspects. We hope to see you there!

    All best,
    NYU LoL

  • Discussion Group 2 Resources

    Dear linguists,
    Thank you so much for joining us for this second conversation, this time focusing on language revitalization! We’ll be looking at Hawai’ian, Welsh, and Hebrew, comparing their relative successes and shortcomings, as well as the ethical challenges implicit in each.

    All resources for this session are available in our central event folder. Inside, you’ll find:

    A 2-page primer for quick background information
    The presentation slides we’ll be using tonight
    A summary of key readings and recommended videos
    The readings folder with all source materials

    Take a look before the event to get the most out of the discussion! You can also use these materials to follow along in real time.

    Looking forward to a great discussion with you!
    LoL E-Board

  • Discussion Group 2: Language Revitalization

    Hello linguists!

    First: Have thoughts on what we should cover next? Let us know here!

    As for our event: We’re taking on one of the most urgent topics in our field: language revitalization. Join us for a conversation about the challenges, successes, and strategies involved in helping endangered languages thrive again.

    📅 Event Details
    📍 When: Thursday, March 20, 6:30 PM
    📍 Where: 10 Washington Pl, Room 104
    🍴Light snacks provided!

    The format will be a short recap of the sources and issues, followed by small group discussions around questions posted in the folder. Finally, we’ll talk about three case studies together—specifically, Hawai’ian, Welsh, and Hebrew. By the end we’ll have looked at a range of revitalization efforts from around the world, featuring different approaches—from grassroots language nests to cutting-edge AI applications.

    🔍 Prepare for the Conversation

    Stay Connected

    📱 Follow our Instagram for updates.
    📅 Add this event to your Google or Apple Calendar.
    📍 Look for our flyers at 10 Washington Place—updated frequently!
    🖥 Bookmark this page for regular updates.

    All best,
    LoL E-Board

  • Watch EtymologyNerd Live + Help Decide Future Events!

    Dear all,

    We’re so excited to welcome Adam Aleksic (@EtymologyNerd) to NYU tonight. Whether you’re attending in person or tuning in remotely, we can’t wait to have you!

    Details:
    🗓 Tonight! Wednesday, March 5.
    🕖 7:30–8:30 PM
    📍 Kimmel Center, 4th Floor, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium

    Join the Zoom Livestream Here: [ended]

    And while you’re here—we’d love to hear what you’d want to see at future events! Fill out our event suggestion poll to let us know what topics and activities interest you most.

    Much love,

    LoL E-Board

  • Critical Update: Livestream & Time/Venue Change for @etymologynerd

    Dear attendees,

    We have 2 important updates regarding @etymologynerd’s public lecture!

    Livestream Access: For those who can’t attend in person, we’ll be live streaming the event. The link will be shared on our Instagram story, in our bio, and right here on this blog on the day of the event—stay tuned!

    New Time and Venue: Owing to the massive amount of RSVPs, we have had to move the event to 7:30pm on the 4th floor of Kimmel, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium. Be sure to head there instead of Cantor.

    We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

  • The League of Linguistics presents: Adam Aleksic (@etymologynerd) on social media and language!

    Hello all!

    The NYU League of Linguistics is thrilled to announce our next event: a fascinating talk by Adam Aleksic (the @etymologynerd) on how social media and algorithms are transforming how we communicate!

    Adam (B.A., Harvard ’23) is widely known for his engaging and educational social media content on linguistics, etymology, and language evolution. With millions of views across multiple platforms, his work has made linguistics accessible and entertaining for a broad audience.

    Join us as he discusses his upcoming book, Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language, which will be published on July 15, 2025 by Penguin and is available for preorder here.

    Event details

    🗓️ Wednesday, March 5th

    🕖 7:30-8:30pm

    📍Kimmel Center, 4th Floor, Eisner and Lubin Auditorium. Entrance at 60 Washington Square S.

    The event will feature a 40-minute talk by Adam, followed by a 20-minute Q&A. 

    Why attend?

    Adam explores something that affects us all: how the internet is reshaping communication. Whether you’re chronically online or proudly logged off, social media’s impact on language is inescapable. Anyone curious about real-time language change will gain fresh insights into the transformational power of modern media. After all, it’s changing how we talk and write—possibly even how we think.

    Important Info for Non-NYU Guests

    If you do not have a valid NYU ID, you need to:

     •  Fill out this RSVP form by March 4th.

    • Bring a government-issued photo ID for entry day-of.

    Your information will not be shared or added to any lists; it will only be used for event updates and NYU regulations.

    Psst!

    Want a sneak peek? Follow @etymologynerd on Instagram and TikTok. For an even deeper dive, visit his Substack.

    We look forward to seeing you there!

    Lots of Love,

    LoL Board

  • Discussion Group 1 Resources

    Dear linguists,

    Thank you for coming to our first discussion group of the year! Find our event resources at this link here. Included is a video, a 1-page primer, optional readings, and the presentation slides we’ll be looking at tonight so you can follow along.

    Love,

    LoL