The prehistoric humans that we know through bones and potsherds were once real people, speaking real languages and having specific beliefs, mythological tales and poetic expressions.
Current scientific advances provide us with information on several aspects of the early speakers of Indo-European and their lives. The anthology Indo-European Interfaces: Integrating Linguistics, Mythology and Archaeology applies a multidisciplinary approach that combines historical linguistics, archaeology, and comparative religion in order to improve the understanding of the early speakers of Indo-European. The book is edited by Jenny Larsson, Thomas Olander and Anders Richardt Jørgensen. We asked Jenny Larsson a few questions.
Why is this book important?
Jenny Larsson. Fotograf: Eva Dalin
Because it addresses the recent advancements in multiple research disciplines that intersect with historical linguistics. Notably, breakthroughs in molecular biology and ancient DNA (aDNA) have enabled new scientific methods to map prehistoric relationships and migration patterns. These advancements have also spurred developments in prehistoric archaeology, religious history, and the study of the history and spread of Indo-European languages. The book aims to unite various academic perspectives on the Indo-European language family and its speakers, providing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary view that is currently lacking in existing publication channels. This makes it an essential resource for scholars and students interested in a multifaceted understanding of the Indo-European language family.
Indo-Europan Interfaces is part of the interdisciplinary research project LAMP – Languages and Myths of Prehistory. Can you tell us more about the project?
The LAMP project, supported by Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, brings together scholars from various disciplines to explore the Indo-European language family through multiple lenses, including mythology, linguistics, and archaeology. This interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration beyond traditional academic boundaries, promoting a richer understanding of prehistory. This initiative has led to the creation of this new interdisciplinary book series at Stockholm University Press, Stockholm Studies in Indo-European Language and Culture, where Indo-European Interfaces is the first volume, exemplifying the project’s goals of fostering cross-disciplinary research and collaboration.
Who is the intended reader for this book?
The intended readers are scholars who are researching various aspects of the Indo-European language family. It will appeal to those exploring this field from diverse perspectives, including linguistics, archaeology, ancient DNA studies, and comparative mythology.
Stockholm Studies in Indo-European Language and Culture
Stockholm Studies in Indo-European Language and Culture (SIELC) (ISSN TBA) is a peer-reviewed series of monographs and edited volumes published by Stockholm University Press. SIELC is a cross-disciplinary series intended for research into the older stages of the Indo-European language family from a multitude of perspectives, including history of religions, archaeology, ancient DNA and historical linguistics.
How to access this book
At the Stockholm University Press website you can download an ePub or pdf-file that allows you to read the book online or access it on multiple devices. You may also order a print copy of the book through the website. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16993/bcn
About the publisher Stockholm University Press
Stockholm University Press (SUP) is an open access publisher of peer-reviewed academic journals and books. We aim to make journals and books affordable, and to give them the widest possible dissemination, so that researchers around the world can find and access the information they need without barriers.
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