18.1943, Support: Corpus Linguistics: PhD Student, University of Leuven

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LINGUIST List: Vol-18-1943. Thu Jun 28 2007. ISSN: 1068 - 4875.

Subject: 18.1943, Support: Corpus Linguistics: PhD Student, University of Leuven

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1)
Date: 28-Jun-2007
From: Yves Peirsman < yves.peirsman at arts.kuleuven.be >
Subject: Corpus Linguistics: PhD Student, University of Leuven, Belgium

 

	
-------------------------Message 1 ---------------------------------- 
Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:56:21
From: Yves Peirsman < yves.peirsman at arts.kuleuven.be >
Subject: Corpus Linguistics: PhD Student, University of Leuven, Belgium 
 

Institution/Organization: University of Leuven 
Department: Department of Linguistics 
Web Address: http://wwwling.arts.kuleuven.be/qlvl 

Level: PhD 

Duties: Research
 
Specialty Areas: Computational Linguistics; Sociolinguistics; Text/Corpus
Linguistics 
 

Description:

The research unit Quantitative Lexicology and Variational Linguistics at the
University of Leuven invites applications for two PhD positions (01.10.2007 -
30.09.2011).

Research Project 1: Sociolectometry and Lexical Variation

The research project 'Sociolectometry and Lexical Variation' wishes to
contribute to the development of a quantitative, corpus-based study of language
variation. In order to compare the use of synonyms (like 'jeans' and
'spijkerbroek' or 'dessert' and 'toetje') in Belgian and Netherlandic Dutch, it
applies state-of-the-art computational-linguistic techniques that discover
semantically related words on the basis of their distribution in a corpus. The
differences in the distribution of these words between several sub-corpora then
make it possible to quantify the 'linguistic distance' between several language
varieties.

Research Project 2: A Usage-Based Analysis of Dutch 'Doen' and 'Laten" Causatives

The second research project focuses on the distribution of 'doen' ('make') and
'laten' ('let') causatives in Dutch. On the basis of a quantitative analysis of
their distribution in large corpora, it is our goal to determine what variables
(e.g., direct vs. indirect causation, Belgian vs. Netherlandic Dutch) influence
the choice of either 'doen' or 'laten' as a causative. In this way, this project
contributes to the development of a usage-based grammar in Cognitive
Linguistics, and explores the methods by which such a grammar can be constructed.

Research Unit Quantitative Lexicology and Variational Linguistics (QLVL)

The research unit QLVL at the University of Leuven seeks to advance the
cognitive-linguistic study of language in two fields: sociolectometry (cf.
project 1) and the development of a multifactorial grammar (cf. project 2). Both
perspectives are motivated by a concern for an empirically viable usage-based
study of language, a growing tendency within Cognitive Linguistics. QLVL is part
of the Department of Linguistics at KULeuven, which is home to many renowned
linguists. QLVL works together with other departments at KULeuven and elsewhere.
More information can be found at the website listed above.

Requirements:
Candidates must have completed all requirements for their MA degree in
linguistics by the time of appointment. The ideal candidate should have a strong
research interest, with demonstrable familiarity in any of the following
research fields: cognitive linguistics, sociolinguistics, language variation,
stylometric and lectometric research, lexicology and lexical semantics, syntax,
corpus linguistics.  Knowledge of Dutch is not required at the time of
application, but non-native candidates will be asked to acquire a working
knowledge of the language in the first year of their employment. Computational
and statistical skills will be considered an asset. 

Further Information:
Additional information can be obtained from professors Dirk Geeraerts whose
contact information is listed below or Dirk Speelman, who will supervise the
project. Funding is guaranteed as of October 1, 2007, but according to the
availability of the candidate, employment may start later.

Dirk Speelman
E-mail: dirk.speelman at arts.kuleuven.be
Phone: ++3216324807
Fax: ++3216324767
Surface mail: Dept. of Linguistics, Blijde-Inkomststraat 21, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Applications
Please send applications to both Dirk Geeraerts and Dirk Speelman. E-mail
applications should be sent in pdf format. Please include:
- your choice of research project, together with a letter of motivation
- a full CV
- the name and e-mail address of one referee 

Application Deadline: 21-Jul-2007 

Mailing Address for Applications:
	Attn: Prof. Dirk Geeraerts 
	Dept of Linguistics 
	Blijde-Inkomststraat 21 
	Leuven 3000 
	Belgium 	
	
Contact Information: 
	Prof. Dirk Geeraerts 
	dirk.geeraerts at arts.kuleuven.be
	Phone: ++3216324815
	Fax: ++3216324767






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