Names scholars whose research focuses on indigenous languages are encouraged to attend the “Symposium on American Indian Languages” (SAIL) on the 22nd of April, 2016, in Rochester, NY. The purpose of SAIL is to bring together scholars, educators, activists, and members of indigenous communities to discuss methods for documenting, conserving, and revitalizing Native American languages. Names scientists who would like to present their research are asked to send in abstracts by the 31st of January.
Conferences
International Conference on Historical Lexicography and Lexicology (ICHLL), Bloomington, IN, July 12-15, 2016
From the 12th to the 15th of July 2016, the International Conference on Historical Lexicography and Lexicology (ICHLL) will take place in Bloomington, Indiana. The deadline for 500 word English-language abstracts is February 1, 2016.
In particular, the conference welcomes papers addressing problems associated with dates and dating and periods and periodization. In addition, the conference solicits abstracts that concern how chronology is re-conceived in the era of digitally-driven lexical research.
There are four plenaries planned for this event:
- Fred R. Shapiro (Yale University, dates and dating)
- Anne Curzan (University of Michigan, periods and periodizing)
- Mira Podhajecka (University of Opole, theories of history)
- Sarah Ogilvie (Stanford University, digital chronologies)
2015 Name of Year Winner and Nominee Recap
Dr. Cleveland Evans writes about names for the Omaha World-Herald. This week’s column recaps the 2015 Name of the Year vote.… Read More
In depth look at the 2015 Name of the Year
In this article for the Huffington Post, Mallory Moss shares additional information about the name Caitlyn and Caitlyn Jenner’s choice to use it.… Read More
Name of the Year 2015 Press
The 2015 Name of the Year picks up additional press. Check out the article in Voice of America and the article in Gay Star News.… Read More
Time reports on the 2015 Name of the Year
Time reports on the ANS voting session and the rationale that lead to the 2015 Name of the Year winners.
Name of the Year 2015: Caitlyn Jenner
Fictional Names: Rey, Finn, and Poe … Names from the new Star Wars movie, which all have onomastic and cultural significance in how they (1) were created, (2) represent a character, and (3) will impact baby names
Personal Name: Caitlyn Jenner … representing many LGBT onomastic issues
Place Name: Denali … Mount McKinley Will Again Be Called Denali and the onomastic debate surrounding that change
Trade Name: Charlie Hebdo … French satirical magazine attacked by terrorists, whose name gave raise to the hash tag #jesuischarlie
Name of the Year: Caitlyn Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner was chosen the Name of the Year for 2015 by the American Name Society at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. on January 8, 2016.
The name of the athlete and reality television celebrity who was formerly known as Bruce Jenner became known throughout the world during 2015. “Caitlyn Jenner is an example of how people in modern times are asserting their own identities by choosing their own names,” said Iman Nick, President of ANS. “Many cultures have allowed people to choose their own names after important life changes, and this right is being revived today in a positive ways by those like Caitlyn Jenner.”
Caitlyn Jenner was also voted Personal Name of the Year for 2015.
Charlie Hebdo was ANS’s Trade Name of the Year. The name of this French satirical magazine whose Paris headquarters was attacked in January 2015 by terrorists has become a symbol of free speech around the world. Its iconic status was only reinforced by the more recent terrorist attacks in Paris.
Denali was voted Place Name of the Year. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell ordered the official national name of Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America, be changed to Denali last August. This put the federal designation in line with the official state of Alaska designation, but was criticized by many in Ohio, original home of President McKinley. The emotions aroused on both sides show the power of naming.
Rey, Finn, and Poe were voted Fictional Names of the Year. The names of three new characters in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” were cited for their expected impact on baby names in 2016. Rey is noteworthy for being a mostly male name given to a strong female character. Finn is significant as a name because it replaces the character’s impersonal designation, FN-2187, when he leaves the stormtroopers and joins the Resistance.
The American Name Society is a scholarly organization founded in 1951 devoted to studying all aspects of names and naming. The Name of the Year vote has been held since 2004. “Ferguson” was the 2014 Name of the Year, “Francis” for 2013, and “Sandy” for 2012.
For further information contact Dr. Cleveland Evans, chair of the Name of the Year committee, at cevans@bellevue.edu or 402-210-7458.
Name Society of Southern Africa (NSSA) 19th International Conference, South Africa, September 20-22 2016
The Name Society of Southern Africa (NSSA) has just issued its first call for papers for its 19th International Conference to take place at the University of the Free State, in South Africa from the 20th to the 22nd of September 2016. The topic of this year’s conference is Symbolism and Instrumentality in Naming. See the conference website for additional information about abstract submission.
Nominations for the 2015 Name of the Year
After posting the Call for Nominations for the 2015 Name of the Year, the ANS has already received a number of submissions.
Read about the Nominations for Names of the Year 2015 in advance of the vote.
The Name of the Year selection will take place on Friday, January 8th, from 12:00-1:00pm.… Read More
Linguistics Beyond Academia SIG Events
The Linguistics Beyond Academia Special Interest Group (SIG) is pleased to announce its activities at the 2016 LSA Annual Meeting in Washington DC:
- Salon: Friday, 3:30-5 pm, January 8th
- Linguistics Career Mixer: Saturday, 3:30-5 pm, January 9th
The salon is a chance for linguists working outside of academia to get together in a relaxed atmosphere to share experiences, resources, and tell the story of the transition from the university to the business world.… Read More