LINGUIST List 22.892

Tue Feb 22 2011

Support: Language Acquisition, Semantics: PhD Student, U. of Groningen

Editor for this issue: Matthew Lahrman <mattlinguistlist.org>

        1.     Emar Maier , Language Acquisition, Semantics: PhD Student, University of Groningen, Netherlands
Message 1: Language Acquisition, Semantics: PhD Student, University of Groningen, Netherlands
Date: 20-Feb-2011
From: Emar Maier <emar.maiergmail.com>
Subject: Language Acquisition, Semantics: PhD Student, University of Groningen, Netherlands
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Institution/Organization: University of Groningen Web Address: http://www.rug.nl/filosofie

Level: PhD

Duties: Research

Specialty Areas: Language Acquisition; Semantics
Description:

The Faculty of Philosophy is seeking a PhD candidate for the ERC fundedresearch project BLENDS (Between Direct and Indirect Discourse--ShiftingPerspective in Blended Discourse) of Dr. Emar Maier.

PROJECT

The ability to talk about what others say or think is a key aspect of humancognition. For instance, reported speech constructions (he said it was raining) areclaimed to be part of what sets human language apart from that of apes and otheranimals. In addition, the acquisition of this construction has been related to theacquisition of Theory of Mind, i.e. the ability to reason with the fact that otherpeople have beliefs and desires distinct from one's own. BLENDS tries to unravelhow speech reporting in natural language works. It rejects the traditional rigiddistinction between direct discourse (John said, 'I'm a fool') and indirect discourse(John said that he's a fool), and proposes an alternative framework of "BlendedDiscourse". We test this proposal empirically in signed languages, child languageand Ancient Greek.

The position advertised is for the child language subproject, called "The acquisitionof the direct--indirect distinction". Its aim is to investigate if, when, and howchildren acquire an adult-like conception of the distinction between direct andindirect discourse. The hypothesis is that children start out with a flexible reportingmode where they can freely mix the reporter's and reportee's perspectives.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate has

- an interest and background in experimental linguistics and formal semantics- an MA or MSc degree in a field relevant to the project (e.g. linguistics,philosophy, A.I. psychology,...),- fluency in Dutch and English- an interest and background in working with children

A detailed outline of the research project can be requested by sending an email tofilosofierug.nl and attach

- a curriculum vitae, detailing academic qualifications, grades, and a list ofpublications if applicable,- a letter explaining your motivation, your interest in the project, and yourcompetence in the research field,- a writing sample of about 5,000 words as well as your MA/MSc thesis,- the name and contact details of two referees.

The closing date is May 1, 2011. Interviews will be held later in May.

Applications Deadline: 01-May-2011

Web Address for Applications: http://sites.google.com/site/emarmaier/blends/job

Contact Information:         Emar Maier        filosofierug.nl

Page Updated: 22-Feb-2011