Learning from each other

Birth and first steps of CISPELS

Abstract

CiSPElS is here introduced as a young, italian enterprise devoted to the history of linguistic and semiotic thought, and to its initial steps. in the background, the preceding initiatives are mentioned: ICHoLS; SHESL, the Henry Sweet Society for the History of Linguistic Ideas, the Studienkreis für die Geschichte der Sprachwissenschaft. the importance of the relationship among scientific societies, multidisciplinary research, a united commitment between historiographical reconstruction and explanation, on the one hand, and highly specialised, active inquiries on the other, is highlighted, together with a number of initiatives already in progress: a yearly summer school (2016-), a national conference (2018) and the hosting of an international one (2020). the foundation of the present hosting journal, Blityri, has been a pathfinder in this newly established tradition.