Bridging linguistics and high school students: the example of Noorlingvistide keeleklubi in Estonia

Abstract This paper explores the nuances of popularizing linguistics among teenagers by sharing the successes and setbacks encountered in Noorlingvistide keeleklubi – an Estonian-based monthly event series where high school students learn about language science. Initially conceived as a pilot project, from March to December 2023, the language club held six meetings, each centering on a specific linguistics topic. Throughout the meetings, students gave feedback for improving both the content and organization of the meetings. Sixty-four students with varying prior linguistics knowledge participated, with their feedback indicating an increased interest in the field because of the initiative.