First-Year Seminars 110NG - Economics of Language

If a language does not have a future tense, are its speakers more likely to spend income now and less likely to save for the future? Does linguistic diversity within a country affect trust and the provision of public goods? Do historical patterns of slavery and the slave trade explain the development of Creole languages in the Caribbean? We will use data to explore these and other questions. This course is therefore an opportunity to learn about economics and linguistics, and to practice working with data and conducting your own research.
Taught by J. Norling Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30-11:45am

Mount Holyoke first-year students only, by placement.