NLC offers multidisciplinary programs led by experts on cultural and contemporary topics, and explores their interconnectedness. Dedicated to expanding the horizons of the human mind, NLC encourages in-depth discussion of basic ideas and issues.

"Imaginatively organized and impeccably run, the NLC series of lectures provides an engaging and informative way to explore new areas of interest." - Thais M. Donald

“One of the great pleasures in life is learning and NLC provides a wonderful facility for doing that right here with provocative speakers, informative lectures, and stimulating seminars. I can't believe how ignorant I was in many of these areas and I look forward to removing more ignorance as I attend future series.” - Rod Anderson

Fall 2010 Program

As we speak: Language change and social change, from grammar to emoticons
Six lectures and six seminars
October 28 – December 3, 2010, 7:15 - 9:15 pm
Columbus Community
Centre, 232 Spencer Street East, Cobourg
The Friday morning follow-up seminars will be held from 10 am to noon in the Loft on the second floor of Furby House Books, 65 Walton Street, Port Hope.

Our language is changing, and so is our understanding of language. Most of us grew up learning a standard structure, grammar, and pronunciation. Today that emphasis is giving way to a view of language in constant transition. We see the change as new words are introduced, old words gain new meanings, communications grow global, pop culture morphs, texting creates a vocabulary of contractions, and –tragically – traditional languages die.

Language is a large part of our identity. When language changes, what happens to our view of a world that is also in rapid change? This series will examine how politics, power, and identity are affected by language, and how the study of language can tell us more about ourselves.

The Fall 2010 program will address these issues. Read more...