PhD Student, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Open PhD position, Conversation Analysis / Interactional Linguistics with Focus on Language and Space

The University Research Priority Program (URPP) Language and Space studies the complex interrelations between language and space. It focuses both on the way people anchor their interaction in a specific physical environment and construct a common space for their interaction (‘interactional spaces’) and on the distribution of language(s) in geographical space through research on dialect/language contact (‘language spaces’). The URPP approaches relations between language and space with cutting-edge technology, combining insights from interactional linguistics with dialectology and language typology. Particular emphasis is placed on crossing traditional subdisciplinary boundaries, combining research in computational linguistics, geographic information science, general linguistics, Romance studies, German studies, Slavic studies, English studies, and Sinology (see www.spur.uzh.ch for further information).

The URPP is now seeking applicants for a PhD position which will study the relationship between interaction and space using a methodology informed by conversation analysis and interactional linguistics.

The PhD candidate will be expected to conduct research under the supervision of an interdisciplinary team. He / She will work in the VideoLab, one of three research laboratories set up as part of the URPP (alongside the CorpusLab and the GISLab). Additionally to her / his own research, the successful candidate will also advise and support members of the URPP with respect to the collection of video data. The PhD candidate will also be a member of a larger research group that focuses on the interplay between space and interaction. For more information, see: www.spur.uzh.ch

We are looking for a highly motivated original thinker with a desire to develop a career in research. In return, we offer excellent working conditions, a stimulating environment and Zurich’s high quality of life. Applicants are required to have completed a Master’s level degree in linguistics or a MA in German Studies, English Studies, etc. with a specialization in linguistics. A willingness to specialize in conversation analysis / interactional linguistics and especially an interest in studying the role of space in and for interaction are prerequisites. Familiarity with the collection and analysis of video data is highly desirable. Experience with software for transcription, annotation and management of video corpora is a plus. Applicants must have a good command of German and English or be ready to acquire this during the first six months after taking up the position.

Send curriculum vitae, a personal statement, an outline of the planned dissertation in one page, transcripts, and contact details for two referees (including e-mail addresses) in a single PDF document, and with reference “VideoLab PhD”, to info@spur.uzh.ch by 03/30/2014.

For further questions, please contact Wolfgang Kesselheim at wolfgang.kesselheim@ds.uzh.ch.

Application Deadline: 30-Mar-2014

Contact Information:
Dr. Wolfgang Kesselheim
wolfgang.kesselheim@ds.uzh.ch

PhD Student, University of Hong Kong

Level: PhD

Duties: Research

Specialty Areas: Applied Linguistics


Description:

Dear all,

The Centre for Applied English Studies encourages applications for full-time and
part-time Ph.D or M. Phil from well-qualified candidates whose research interests
match those of the Centre for admission in September 2013. The Centre has
special expertise in a number of areas. It is particularly strong in linguistics as
applied to English language education at university level.

Our supervisors' research interests can broadly be classified into five areas:

Autonomy
 - autonomous learning, self-access

Discourse Studies
 - academic and professional literacies, discourse analysis (including written and
spoken), second language writing, writing across the curriculum

English Language Teaching
 - assessment and evaluation, classroom interaction, curriculum development,
task-based learning

Language Learning
 - computer-assisted language learning, individual differences in language learning,
learner histories, learning styles and strategies, psycholinguistics, second/third
language acquisition

Sociolinguistics
 - code-mixing, conversation analysis, cross-cultural communication, humour,
identity construction, language contact, politeness; workplace communication

Full-time MPhil and PhD students who hold a first degree with second-class
honours first division (or equivalent) or above are normally considered eligible to
receive a Postgraduate Scholarship during the normative study period. (For your
information, the basic level of scholarship is HK$13,600 (US$1,740) per month for
the 2012-2013 academic year). Other scholarships are also available subject to
applicants' academic qualifications and relevant experiences.

Potential applicants may contact me in the first instance giving brief information
about qualifications and research topic.

Regards

Ken Lau, Ph.D
Research Postgraduate Admissions Advisor
Centre for Applied English Studies
The University of Hong Kong

Application Deadline: 01-Dec-2012

Web Address for Applications: http://www.gradsch.hku.hk/gradsch/rola/important_notes.htm

Contact Information:
Ken Lau
lauken@hku.hk