What do social class, gender, religion and occupation have in common?

According to linguist Doug Biber, they all have an effect on human languages.

On Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m., Biber will visit Weber State University to discuss the study of academic linguistics as well as how societal factors can have an impact on languages.

After not having much interest in language as a child, Biber later became enthralled in the study of language structure after taking a technical writing class and an English syntax course.

Along with studying the English language, Biber helped coordinate a Somali mother-tongue literacy program for three years in Kenya. Biber is now working on a 30-year study of computers and how they allow linguists to effectively study linguistic trends and changes.

“Weber State is lucky to have a linguist of Dr. Douglas Biber’s stature inaugurate our ‘Language Matters’ speaker series,” said WSU English professor Mark LeTourneau in a statement. “His presentations should be particularly interesting to students and faculty in English, foreign languages and computer science as well as community members who are curious about language, linguistics and how linguists work.”

The event will be held in Elizabeth Hall, Room 229. Biber will also speak to Weber State classes on Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. Both speaking events are open to the public.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 801-626-6386.