“Reading Florida’s First Native Authors: Towards an Understanding of Timucua Literature”
The George A. Smathers Library cordially invites you to the Michael Gannon Lecture on Tuesday, April 1st, from 4:00-5:00 p.m in the historic Smathers Library, featuring linguistic anthropologist George Aaron Broadwell, Ph.D., the Elling Eide Professor of Anthropology at University of Florida.
This talk introduces the public to some of the most interesting passages of Timucua literature and discusses the techniques that our team has used to read and interpret Timucua texts.
Having assembled a host of texts written in Timucua, the native language of the inhabitants of northern Florida from around the twelfth century into the eighteenth century, Broadwell has spent years working to translate what the writers were recording. Through his own efforts, work with colleagues, and assistance from students Broadwell has reconstructed substantial parts of Timucua vocabulary, in some cases interpreting previously untranslated texts, and also offering new revelations about those with Spanish corollaries. His work has revolutionized understanding of the conquest and colonial eras in Florida, giving voice to the people who lived under Spanish rule and revealing what their letters and writings say about about dramatic changes taking place in their lives and world. The topic is especially appropriate for a lecture in honor of Michael Gannon, who included in his own discussions of Florida history an example of the Timucua-language version of the Lord’s Prayer.
Limited seating available! Select in-person registration to reserve a seat.
Streaming video will also be available for virtual attendees (link below).
There will be a book sale and signing at the conclusion of the event!