Wednesday, March 27, 2019 (both events)
The events are free and open to the public.
The Department of Anthropology welcomes, Dr. Walt Wolfram from N.C. State University for a public lecture and screening of his documentary, “Talking Black in America.” The documentary will be accompanied by a reception with light snacks, and will be followed up with a Q&A with Wolfram.
Wolfram, Executive Producer and Linguistics Professor, will give an open lecture focusing on the study of language varieties and applications to education and anthropology at 1 p.m. in College of Education, room 124. “Talking Black in America” showcases the history and symbolic role of language in the lives of African Americans and highlights its tremendous impact on the speech and culture of the United States. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and the film screening will begin at 6 p.m. (length: 57 minutes) in the Beacon Heights Room 417 of Plemmons Student Union.
Wolfram is the William C. Friday Distinguished University Professor at N.C. State University, where he also directs the North Carolina Language and Life Project. He has pioneered research on social and ethnic dialects since the 1960s and published more than 20 books and over 300 articles. Over the last two decades, he and his students have conducted more than 3,500 sociolinguistic interviews with residents of North Carolina and beyond, primarily under funding from the National Science Foundation. In addition to his research interests, Wolfram is particularly interested in the application of sociolinguistic information to the public, including the production of a number of television documentaries, the construction of museum exhibits and the development of an innovative formal and informal materials related to language diversity.
He has received numerous awards, including the North Carolina Award (the highest award given to a citizen of North Carolina), Caldwell Humanities Laureate from the N.C. Humanities Council, the Holladay Medal at N.C. State, the Linguistics, Language and the Public Award from the Linguistic Society of America and the Board of Governors' Holshauser Award for Public Service. He has also served as President of the Linguistic Society of America, the American Dialect Society and the Southeastern Conference on Linguistics.
For more information, please contact Shanan Fitts at fittss@appstate.edu.
These events are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Department of English, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the Belk Library and Information Commons
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About the Department of Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology offers a comparative and holistic approach to the study of the human experience. The anthropological perspective provides a broad understanding of the origins as well as the meaning of physical and cultural diversity in the world — past, present and future. Learn more at https://anthro.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Curriculum and Instruction
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers a broad range of comprehensive degree programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. The department seeks to provide quality programs that emphasize the integration of academics and field experiences. Learn more at https://ci.appstate.edu.
About the Department of English
The Department of English at Appalachian State University is committed to outstanding work in the classroom, the support and mentorship of students, and a dynamic engagement with culture, history, language, theory and literature. The department offers master’s degrees in English and rhetoric and composition, as well as undergraduate degrees in literary studies, film studies, creative writing, professional writing and English education. Learn more at https://english.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers courses that enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and languages as well as their own, making them prepared for lifelong learning in a multicultural world. Learn more at https://dllc.appstate.edu.
About University Libraries
University Libraries at Appalachian State University contributes to the campus mission of learning, teaching, advancing knowledge, engagement and effectiveness. Belk Library and Information Commons along with the Nicholas Erneston Music Library provide academic resources for all students and faculty. Within the library, students and faculty find group and quiet study spaces, the Digital Media Studio, the inspire lab, the Idea Factory, digital devices to check out, and special collections such as the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection and Instructional Materials Center. Learn more at https://library.appstate.edu.
TBIA Wolfram flyer
TBIA Wolfram flyer