About this event
CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE ARLINGTON
WHAT: Disappearing Languages: Why it Matters & What it Means
WHEN: Feb. 5, 6:30-8:00 PM
WHERE: The Front Page Restaurant, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA
WHO: Linguist Doug Whalen from NSF
HOW: 6:30-8:00 Short presentation, followed by Q&A (Come early to purchase a drink or a meal if you so desire)
No science background required!
Free and open to the public
ABOUT THE TOPIC: Language distinguishes humans from other creatures. Human languages are windows on the ways the mind works, and each language reveals a different way seeing the world. Within this century, more than half of those windows will be shut, as languages cease to be spoken. At this presentation, you will discover which languages are disappearing and where, what is causing their demise, some of the features that make them unique, and why their disappearance should matter to you.
ABOUT THE CONCEPT: Cafe Scientifque flourished first in the U.K. (see http://www.cafescientifique.org) as a way for the public and scientists to mingle and discuss science issues in an informal setting. At least 35 café now exist in the U.S.
ABOUT THIS CAFE: The National Science Foundation initiated Café Scientifique (Arlington) and its occasional cousin in Washington D.C. in April 2006 to make science more accessible and accountable by featuring speakers whose expertise spans the sciences and who can talk in plain English. Generally held on first Tuesdays at the Front Page in Arlington. This month's event is co-sponsored with the Smithsonian Institution. To suggest topics or speakers, complete a survey on-site. To be notified of future events, see "Find Out More" at bottom.
FIND OUT MORE: To hear about upcoming cafes sponsored by NSF, subscribe to the NSF e-mail list. Send a message to lyris@lists.nsf.gov. In the text, write "subscribe cafesci." Don't add a signature. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)
RELATED WEB SITES: http://cafescientifique.org, http://cafescientifique.org/arlington.htm
Also posted: http://nsf.gov/events/event_summ.jsp?cntn_id=109943&org=NSF
We try to keep a lighthearted approach though we address very serious issues. For ex., see the graphic here: http://www.nsf.gov/events/event_summ.jsp?cntn_id=106939&org=NSF)