Language & Liberty: The Sound of 1776

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

$15.00 | Friedman Family Auditorium

What did the Revolution actually sound like? In 1776, Americans were not only fighting for political independence but also creating the conditions for new, distinctly American ways of speaking. Join renowned linguist Dr. Anne Curzan for a journey back to the founding era to explore the state of the language — from the birth of “Americanisms” and shifting regional accents (not to mention new languages!) to Benjamin Franklin’s fears about German speakers and the heated debates over linguistic purity in a young, diverse nation.

For questions or concerns regarding accessibility needs, please contact [email protected].