Indo-Europeanization – day one

More about the book

Language politics, the use of language by those in power, has a rich history intertwined with human activities and power dynamics. While the agendas of language politics have been extensively examined, the origins of the connection between language and politics remain less understood. Recent studies have shed light on the early emergence of power relations in society, highlighting a significant link between the rise of such relations and the spread of Indo-European languages. Evidence suggests that the first clear manifestation of political power in Europe occurred in the northwest Black Sea region, specifically at Varna, an ancient trade center that attracted Indo-European pastoralists from southern Russia. Typically, the culture of the elite becomes dominant, leading to a shift in language prestige that often results in the assimilation of the local population. Around 4500 B.C.E., the takeover at Varna had a profound impact on the development of language, culture, and society in the area, with these changes radiating throughout southeastern Europe and beyond. Harald Haarmann presents the first systematic study of the initial phase of Indo-Europeanization initiated by the Varna event, exploring its implications for language and cultural proliferation.