Language chance and development in small and isolated communities, exemplified by the Nederlandse Spitsbergen Expeditie 1968-1969. The diary of this expedition, of which the digital edition will be presented during SEES 2020, offers fascinating samples of language development: not only running gags and word play occur, but above all new words and expressions are coined for every day routines as well als for a multitude of places and objects. We plan to visit the site and some of its surroundings in order to precisely understand the meaning of these expressions, and are in the unique situation that a surviving expedition member will be present and will be able to answer questions that arise from the written material. .
