New York City is home to over 700 languages representing cultures from all over the world. As such, the city is a center for language exchange and evolution, with countless everyday terms originating in or molded by the city. This two-hour walking tour brings you to the places where many local slang and terms were coined while using everyday landmarks to explore how language, identity, and place intimately influence one another.
This tour will traverse the Lower East Side, one of the city’s most enduring polyglottal epicenters. Along the way, the group will learn about what makes NYC English distinctive, the evolution and impact of several non-English languages (specifically Spanish, Chinese, Yiddish, and Lenape), and partake in group activities designed to enhance understanding of language-learning and communication.
Accessibility
The tour will span over 2 miles of walking, which is notably far for people with any sort of physical impairment. While we won’t be scaling any stairs or hills, some of the sidewalk spaces we will occupy–particularly in Chinatown–will be narrow. Guests should come prepared to encounter the elements and generally feel comfortable being on their feet for a prolonged period. Beyond physical demands, the tour asks for guests’ participation and willingness to engage in the interpersonal activities (e.g., the tour will begin with an activity that explores the concept of personal space across different cultures). Although the tour discusses multilingualism generally, the stories will be narrated in English. The tour start and end points will be in the immediate vicinity of Subway stations and Citibike terminals, so commutes should be relatively convenient for those who make use of public transportation. This tour is most suited to people who are reasonably fit and open to engagement, participation, and exchange with one another.
Location Information
RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.
