OSHER 829 - Unique Languages of Europe

What languages are spoken in Europe? The first ones that come to mind are the large national languages like French, German, English, Spanish, and Italian. But there are over 400 languages currently spoken on that continent. In this interactive conversation, we will explore some of lesser-known tongues such as Catalan and Corsican, Welsh and Breton, Basque and Maltese, Yiddish and Romani, and more. In doing so, we will discover some stunning, if rarely-visited, destinations across Europe. And will learn about the history and culture of different groups inhabiting the continent. We will also ask more general questions about how languages change, how they interact and affect one another, and why some might disappear altogether.