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In:From Carving Runestones to Digitizing Skaldic Poetry: Studies in Germanic philology and historical linguistics
Edited by David Bolter, Erin Noelliste, Christopher D. Sapp and Lane Sorensen
[Studies in Germanic Linguistics 11] 2026
► pp. 346–370

Chapter 20
Tongue-seizing, dream-gifting, and shape-shifting

Barrow-dweller powers for teaching Germanic philology and historical linguistics

This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
There are strong pedagogical grounds for the study of Germanic philology and historical linguistics in German(ic) language education. German(ic) programs have long faced a rising tide of challenges. What options do we have to keep Germanic philology and historical linguistics on the rock so they are not swept out to sea? The author reviews North American German language use and trends in German(ic) language enrollment and teaching methods in higher education, then presents examples of linguistics in language teaching, trends in 21st-century teaching for which Germanic philology and (historical) linguistics are well suited, and ideas for transformations to carry them into the next century.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1World language cuts: A bellwether
    • 1.2Germanic language use and education
  • 2.Trends in language teaching
    • 2.1Curriculum compression
    • 2.2Authentic texts
    • 2.3Meaning over form
    • 2.4Metalinguistic awareness
  • 3.Linguistics in language teaching
    • 3.1Tongue-seizing
    • 3.2Sounds and words
    • 3.3Morphology and grammar
    • 3.4Sentences and beyond
    • 3.5Internal and external perspectives
    • 3.6Benefits for learners and teachers
  • 4.Trends in 21st-century teaching
    • 4.1Dream-gifting
    • 4.2Gen Ed and experiential learning
    • 4.3Undergraduate research experiences
  • 5.Inscribing Germanic linguistics and philology on the 21st century
    • 5.1Shape-shifting
    • 5.2Interdisciplinary course content
    • 5.3Turning a new folio: Digital humanities
    • 5.4Example: History of the German Language
  • 6.Closing remarks
  • Author queries
  • Acknowledgements
  • Abbreviations
  • Notes
  • References
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