This presentation will include a quick introduction to complex systems and how complexity theory applies to language. We will look specifically at where we see complexity in data from the Linguistic Atlas Project (LAP), looking briefly at one LAP dataset, terms for "sofa", and how the concepts of emergence and interaction are evidenced by the data. We will also take a few minutes to address how complexity informs analyses of other kinds of data, such as those collected through sociolinguistic interviews and ethnographic investigation. Finally, we'll look at some of the "take-away" lessons that complexity can contribute to the study of language more broadly.

Connect with employers looking for UK students to fill full-time positions and internships. Dress is business casual. Bring copies of your resume.

The Central Kentucky Linguistics Conference (CKLiC) is an annual springtime conference hosted by the University of Kentucky Department of Linguistics. It provides a place for graduate students in linguistics to engage in professional development, as well as showcase their own work in a full conference environment.

CKLiC participants please click here for more information. 

The Central Kentucky Linguistics Conference (CKLiC) is an annual springtime conference hosted by the University of Kentucky Department of Linguistics. It provides a place for graduate students in linguistics to engage in professional development, as well as showcase their own work in a full conference environment.

CKLiC participants please click here for more information. 

Ashley Stinnett, is an assistant professor in the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology at Western Kentucky University. She received her Ph.D. from the School of Anthropology at the University of Arizona. Her areas of specialization are linguistic anthropology with a sub-specialty in applied visual ethnography and educational documentary filmmaking. Her research primarily concerns the sociocultural and linguistic processes in which locally centered, historical and traditional knowledge specific to food are realized and put into daily practice. Ashley researches language production in communities of practice in occupational settings and community driven efforts, specifically related to food production. Additionally, she partners with local community organizations utilizing applied anthropological approaches while synchronously incorporating visual anthropology methodologies in both the practice and the production of visual media materials. Her primary research focuses on language practices of heritage butchers in the Southwestern United States. Her most recent project utilizes linguistic and sensory ethnography in a focus on food fermentation.