32.1507, Support: Linguistic Theories; Semantics; Syntax: PhD, Universität Leipzig

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-32-1507. Fri Apr 30 2021. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 32.1507, Support: Linguistic Theories; Semantics; Syntax: PhD, Universität Leipzig

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Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:18:27
From: Barbara Stiebels [barbara.stiebels at uni-leipzig.de]
Subject: Linguistic Theories; Semantics; Syntax: PhD, Universität Leipzig, Germany

 Institution/Organization: Universität Leipzig 
Department: Institut für Linguistik 
Web Address: https://www.philol.uni-leipzig.de/institut-fuer-linguistik/ 

Level: PhD 

Duties: Research
 
Specialty Areas: Linguistic Theories; Semantics; Syntax 
 

Description:

The project “Optimal matches between clause-embedding predicates and their
clausal complements” offers two PhD positions (payscale: TVL-E13, 65%) with
funding for four years (starting from October 1st, 2021). The project which
will be part of the Research Unit “Cyclic Optimization” (Leipzig University),
funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

The project investigates the matching requirements of clause-embedding
predicates (CEPs) and their clausal complements (CCs) and the linguistic means
to improve that match in case of potential incompatibilities: (i) by semantic
enrichment/modification of the CC (= top-down effect; e.g., “harmonic modals”)
or (ii) by coercion of the CEP (= bottom-up effect). The project will also
look at the role of polysemy/vagueness of the CEPs for control, raising,
NEG-raising, restructuring and other clausal complementation properties. A
further topic is the propagation of cyclic/non-cyclic properties in the
stacking of CEPs in recursive embedding. The project team will include the PI,
the two PhD students and a student research assistant.

The tasks of the PhD students include the following:
- Study (and model) the role of top-down effects in the optimization of the
match of CEP and clausal complement clause and the role of the polysemy of
CEPs for the clausal complementation properties of the respective predicates
- Study (and model) the role of bottom-up effects in clausal embedding
(coercion of CEPs and semantic specification of vague CEPs by material in the
CC) and cyclic/non-cyclic effects of CEP stacking in recursive embedding.
- Help to build up a cross-linguistic database on clause-embedding predicates

Applicants should have an M.A. in Linguistics or related fields and have a
strong interest in the lexical semantics of clause-embedding predicates and
the syntax of clausal complementation. In addition, applicants should be
interested in cross-linguistic data collection. Previous experience with data
elicitation in a foreign language is a plus.

The PhD students are expected to participate in the rotation program of the
Research Unit (RU), which involves two 2-month internships in other projects
of the RU, and the courses offered in the RU training program. The PhD
students will have access to travel money for conferences.

Further information about the project and the RU can be found on the website
https://www.philol.uni-leipzig.de/en/institute-of-linguistics/research/ru-cycl
ic-optimization/.

Applications should include the following supporting documents: 
- Letter of motivation (1-2 pages, in English or German) that clarifies the
research interests of the applicant, in particular detailing how these would
fit in with the research goals of the project
- Representative sample of research work (e.g., an advanced seminar paper or
M.A. thesis): in English or German
- Two letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of M.A. degree (to be handed in latest by October 1, 2021, if not
already available by June 30, 2021) 

All supporting documents for the application should be emailed electronically
as a single pdf file (the M.A. degree to be scanned in) to Prof. Barbara
Stiebels (subject line: cyclop phd synsem; email address given below). The
recommendation letters should be emailed directly to this address by the
referees.
 

Contact Information: 
	Prof. Dr. Barbara Stiebels
	barbara.stiebels at uni-leipzig.de  


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