Latin–Greek code-switching, the practice of alternating between Latin and Greek within a single unit of communication, has received its fair share of attention among Classical scholars. This work has shown that Latin–Greek language alternation had a markedly ambiguous place in ancient society: code-switching could operate as a marker for elite discourse in Rome and serve as a symbol for calling on the authority of respected writers in certain literary genres. Simultaneously, the use of Greek could indicate affection among well-educated Romans, but it could also be viewed as untrue to the patria and even as the language of slaves in radicalized political settings.
In a similar vein, scholars of Europe’s early modern vernacular literatures have engaged extensively with examples of code-switching between national languages and Latin or other vernaculars. Studies have revealed the diverse interpretations and significance attached to the use of specific languages against the period’s varied and fast-moving literary, political and religious backdrops.
The phenomenon of Latin–Greek code-switching in Neo-Latin literature – immediately evident to readers of any humanist dialogue, baroque tractatus, eighteenth-century handbook or the period’s letter collections – has, however, yet to become the object of dedicated study. This workshop intends to make a first step towards filling this gap. Papers will deal with both linguistic and literary questions of code-switching between the ancient languages in the period c. 1400–1800. Given the importance of imitation and the authority of ancient writers in this period, the workshop will also reflect the diachronic aspects of Latin–Greek code-switching in comparing ancient, medieval and early modern practices.
The workshop will bring together a group of 11 speakers invited to exchange on these themes and questions over 2 days. Written versions of papers will be circulated in advance and will be the object of discussion after a short, 10–15-minute ‘impulse’ presentation of papers’ principal conclusions. As little has been written on the workshop’s topic to date, the workshop’s exchange between contributors should consolidate the formation of considered positions in the field. On this basis, a collection of articles is planned for publication following the workshop. The draft papers for consultation by participants will be circulated no later than 1 October 2022.
To encourage active exchange, the event is currently planned to take place in situ, in accordance with the Flemish Government’s health and safety guidelines in October 2022. The organizers will remain in close contact with confirmed participants with information on requirements, possible restrictions and alternative workshop arrangements in the month leading up to the event. There is a possibility to follow the presentations and discussions from distance through the Microsoft Teams link that will be sent out a few days before the workshop to those who have registered for the event.