Putting a Place to a Name: A talk exploring the connection between language and location

 If you've ever wondered how names shape our understanding of places - or vice versa - don’t miss the upcoming event “Putting a Place to a Name” on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, Illinois.

This free, in-person lecture led by Professor Karen Duchaj (NEIU) invites the public to explore the fascinating field of onomastics, the study of names. Tied to the theatre’s production of Translations, the talk will dive into how names carry history, identity, and linguistic roots - often revealing stories long buried. Take, for example, “Chicago,” which comes from the Miami-Illinois word shikaakwa, meaning not only “wild onion” but also evoking the scent of skunk.

Expect to leave with a deeper appreciation for the way names map language onto land - and why that matters.

📍 Location: Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct, Glencoe, IL
🎟️ Register here
🗺️ Event Info

Join the conversation where culture, language, and geography meet!