Why I’m going to this BLing meeting: Prof. Ed Stabler
What’s he gonna talk about: Computational Models of Language Universals

Ed Stabler is professor in the Linguistics department and has taught courses such as Syntax, Semantics, Computational Phonology, and plenty more. He is also currently teaching Ling 185A (Computational Ling). Some of his research interests include human language processing, language learning and variation, and philosophy of logic and language.

What time do I show up: Wednesday, April 21th, 6-8pm
Where do I get free food: Campbell Hall 2122 (Second floor conference room)
Why… what?: We’ve attempted to play pyramid as our social activity for several months, and now we might actually get the chance to play it! You wouldn’t want to miss out.

***For those interested in being part of the BLing crew for next year (AY 10-11), we will be holding elections during our meeting in WEEK 6. As part of being on BLing’s board, you’ll get to plan our meetings throughout the year, waste time making up ling jokes, and plan the second (and awesome) annual SCULC! More information will be sent out regarding different officer positions and how you can apply.***

Our Speaker: Professor Susie Curtiss
Topic: Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

Professor Curtiss is a member of the UCLA Linguistics faculty.  She will be speaking about what SLI is, what the major linguistic impairment(s) seems to be, and why should linguists be interested in studying SLI.

When: Wednesday, January 27th, 6-8pm
Where: Campbell Hall 2122 (Second floor conference room)
What to expect: An excellent talk on language impairment, uber fun social activity, food and drinks, chatting with fellow BLingers, and FUN.

Social activity: IPA Spelling Bee!

We are proud to announce the official call for abstracts for the Southern California Undergraduate Linguistics Conference. It will be held on April 10, 2010 on the UCLA campus in Westwood, Los Angeles. Abstracts should be submitted by Friday, March 5 at 11:59 pm (PST) to BLing AT bruinling.org. Accepted students will give a 20-minute presentation followed by 5-minutes for Q&A.

For more information visit: http://bruinling.org/sculc/

Our Speakers: Dan Levitt and Natasha Abner
Topic: American Sign Language

Dan Levitt is the Assistant Director of the Office for Students with
Disabilities.  He has been involved with interpreter training and ASL
instruction since 1970!  He will be speaking about some of the structural
aspects of ASL, as well as demonstrating what the language looks like.

Natasha Abner is a graduate student in the UCLA Ling department.  She will be
speaking about WH-Questions in American Sign Language, particularly six question
formation strategies in ASL and how language-internal variation of this type
fits into our theory of syntax.

When: Wednesday, January 13th, 6-8pm
Where: Campbell Hall 2122 (Second floor conference room)
What to expect: Not one but TWO speakers, food and drink, a chance to talk to
your fellow Blingers, and FUN.

When: Wednesday, December 2nd, 6pm (until whenever everyone leaves)
Where: Campbell Hall 2122 (Second floor conference room)

This is the last General Meeting of the quarter, so be sure to make it out this time!

Our Speaker: Kristi Hendrickson
Topic: Studying Infant Perception

Kristi is a research coordinator at the Language Acquisition Lab here at UCLA and has previously worked at UC Davis with mentally challenged children. She will be discussing some of the methodologies for testing infants’ speech and visual perception.

When: Wednesday, November 18th, 6pm
Where: Campbell Hall 2122 (Second floor conference room)
Social activity: More BLing T-Shirts!
There were great ideas for this year’s BLing club t-shirts at our last meeting, so come by and tell us what you think about them! We are still taking submissions for designs, so if you couldn’t come to the last meeting, come share your ideas!

Our Speakers: BLing Officers!
Topic: Studying Abroad

Ever thought about studying abroad?  Currently working on an application?  Don’t know where to look for financial aid?  We will be discussing some of the different study abroad programs and the different resources you can access for scholarships, financial aid, and general tips.  Some of the BLing officers will also be sharing their own study abroad experiences and providing random tips about their program.

When: Wednesday, November 4th
Where: Campbell Hall 2122 (Second floor conference room)
What to expect: Exciting study abroad stories, uber fun social activity, food and drinks, chatting with fellow BLingers, and FUN.

Social activity: T-shirt design.  Lend some of your artistic talents into the making of BLing’s t-shirt for 09-10.  Even if you can’t exactly manage “art” beyond stick figures and a happy face, we would still love for everyone to contribute or just doodle with us.

BLing will be holding its first General Meeting for the 2009-10 school year in Week 2, on October 7. Our speaker will be Dr. Schuh, who is teaching Ling 105 (Morphology) and various honors and graduate courses. He is giving a general introduction to the field of Linguistics, as well as overviewing opportunities within the department and after graduation.

Fall Week 2 GM: Welcome

Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Time: 6:00 pm

Place: Campbell 2122 (Ling Conference Room)

Our Speaker: Dr. Anoop Mahajan
The Topic: Subject Case Marking

Anoop Mahajan is a professor of syntax and the chair or our department. His research interests include Gapping, Partial Wh-Movement, Oblique subject phenomena, and Remnant movement and Elimination of Head movement. he teaches the undergraduate syntax courses 120B and 165B, as well as syntactic typology (127), and several graduate courses.

Social Activity: IPA hangman
This needs little explanation. Come play!

!! BLing T-shirts are still available!
We have ordered 10 extra T-shirts, so if you still want one, they are available for $25. Buy a shirt and help support BLing!