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Focussing on the northern part of the East Asian
region, Prof. Janhunen
will discuss the principles of determining the position of ethnic
groups
and languages in time and place. His main argument is that ethnic
groups
can be followed back in time only on the basis of the genetic lineages
of their languages. The modern linguistic map of the region is the
result
of relatively recent political and cultural expansions. These expansions
have, however, not necessarily involved large-scale human migrations,
for languages have more often than not spread by way of interaction
and assimilation. Traces of linguistic interaction in East Asia
can be
identified in the typological properties of the languages involved.
Prof. Janhunen has worked widely on the ethnic and linguistic prehistory
of North, Central and East Asia, including Siberia, Manchuria, Mongolia,
China, Korea, and Japan. His recent focus is the Amdo Qinghai region
in Eastern Central Asia. He holds the chair of East Asian Languages
and Cultures at the University of Helsinki, Finland.
Asia House Members and concs £4,
Non-members £7
Tickets available from Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street,
London W1G 7LP Tel: 020 7307 5454
enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk mailto:enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk |
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