Compass Inn fireside chats will explore 'Histories and Mysteries of Language'

If you’ve wondered whether a crayfish is a fish or who put the “nick” in nickname, the Ligonier Valley Historical Society had you in mind when planning its four-part series of programs on the “Histories and Mysteries of Language.”

The series of informal fireside sessions will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on alternate Thursdays, beginning this week, at the society’s historic Compass Inn Museum, on Route 30 in Laughlintown.

Emily Barth, the society’s head museum interpreter and docent, will lead the sessions, drawing upon a long interest in languages and a doctorate in linguistics from Cornell University.

Beginning with Latin classes at school while she was growing up in Ligonier, Barth has “always loved languages. All the way through grad school I pursued that.

“I think of language as a living artifact, something that’s been around for millennia and is used every day. Some words haven’t changed at all and others are completely different.”

Various language-related topics will be explored during each of the sessions, which don’t require attendance on previous dates.

“I thought the most fun way to make it accessible would be to frame it around interesting questions,” Barth said. “I have a list of five or six questions for every session.”

For instance: Where’s the ham in a hamburger, how does a shirt become a skirt, when is a T not a T, and what’s the plural of octopus?

Themes for the sessions are: “Serious Wordplay,” Feb. 24; The History of English,” March 10; “Language Evolution,” March 24; and “Frankenstein’s English,” April 7.

Regarding the last topic, Barth said, “English is a real mashup and hodgepodge of all different sources and influences. What would English look like without the influence of Latin?”

Barth’s presentations represent the beginning of planned “Fireside Chats,” where experts on diverse topics will sit down to talk about their field of study with Compass Inn visitors.

“We are beyond excited to have the opportunity to showcase the diverse knowledge of our qualified staff members here at Compass Inn Museum,” said Theresa Gay Rohall, executive director of the historical society.

Admission to each language session is $5 and includes tea or coffee. Attendance is recommended for adults only because of the complex nature of the topic. Face coverings are required inside the inn.

Tickets can be purchased online. A link can be found by choosing the event calendar under the “news & events” heading at www.compassinn.org.

Seating is limited. Those planning to purchase tickets at the door are advised to call the society in advance at 724-238-6818.