Decoding Language Evolution: An Interdisciplinary Journey

This cutting-edge CIVIS Blended Intensive Programme revolutionizes historical linguistics through AI-powered analysis, computational modeling, and digital innovation.

Where Computation Meets Language History: Discover how machine learning algorithms, statistical models, and digital tools are transforming our understanding of how languages evolve. Move beyond traditional approaches to harness the power of big data in linguistic research.

The Heart of the Programme: Hands-On Digital Projects Engage in small-scale linguistic and computational historical linguistic projects that put you at the forefront of digital humanities research. Work with:

• Natural language processing tools for historical texts
• Statistical modeling of language change patterns
• AI-assisted analysis of linguistic evolution
• Digital corpus creation and annotation

Methodological Innovation: Through intensive project work, develop advanced expertise in the methodology of describing, analyzing, and explaining grammar and language development using:

• Computational parsing techniques
• Machine learning for pattern recognition in historical data
• Network analysis for tracking linguistic diffusion
• Quantitative methods for modeling language change

Digital Tools, Real Insights: Master the intersection of digital heritage databases, computational linguistics, and AI technologies. Learn to transform historical texts into structured data that reveals hidden patterns of linguistic evolution.

This program prepares you to lead the digital revolution in historical linguistics—where algorithms meet ancient and medieval languages to unlock the secrets of language change.

The physical mobility section of the BIP will take place between 20-24 July 2026 in Naxos, Cyclades. 

Where Digital Innovation Meets Mediterranean Inspiration Complete your interdisciplinary journey with five transformative days on the stunning island of Naxos, Cyclades, where ancient heritage provides the perfect backdrop for cutting-edge computational linguistics.

The physical part of the course consists of 40 Hours of Face-to-Face Learning and is structured as follows: 

• Engage in concentrated, hands-on sessions that bring your virtual projects to life
• Collaborative Research Labs. Work alongside international peers and leading experts in dedicated computational linguistics facilities
•   Real-Time Project Development. Apply AI and digital tools to live case studies with immediate expert feedback
•   Networking & Innovation Sessions. Connect with the next generation of digital humanities researchers

Your Learning Journey: This blended program seamlessly integrates:

•   Spring intensive online modules (April)
•   Virtual collaborative workshops (May)
•   Culminating in this immersive summer experience in Naxos, Cyclades, Greece (July)

Selected students will be supported by a grant for physical mobility to Greece.

Why Naxos, Cyclades? Experience the perfect fusion of historical depth and technological innovation, where the island's rich linguistic heritage enhances your understanding of language evolution through the ages.

The virtual part of the BIP will take place between 20th April - 30th May 2026.

The online component consists of two phases: 

Phase 1: Intensive Digital Foundations (20-24 April 2026) Immerse yourself in a week of cutting-edge instruction combining:

• Computational Historical Linguistics Intensive Master AI-powered tools for linguistic analysis
• Expert-Led Lectures Learn from pioneers in digital humanities and language evolution
• Interactive Masterclasses Develop advanced methodological skills for describing, analyzing, and explaining language change through computational approaches

Phase 2: Applied Project Work (May 2026) Put theory into practice through hands-on digital workshops featuring:

• Collaborative Online Workshops (dates TBA) – Work directly with instructors and peers
• 'From Texts to Grammar' Mini-Projects Apply computational tools to real historical texts:
• Build custom NLP pipelines for historical language processing
• Create digital grammatical models from raw textual data
• Use machine learning to track linguistic patterns across centuries
• Develop your own computational analysis of language development

Flexible Learning Format: All virtual sessions are designed for interactive engagement, combining synchronous workshops with asynchronous project development, ensuring deep learning regardless of your time zone.