[Endangered-languages-l] PhD funding in Heritage Studies (could include minority languages)

[Dave Sayers]

Exciting times! A new PhD funding opportunity across seven UK universities (including 
Sheffield Hallam, where I am): http://goo.gl/2d1zM8.

Their definition of 'heritage' is not overwhelmingly clear, perhaps understandably, 
so I think this could sensibly include research on minority languages (which are 
often defined in terms of heritage, e.g. by UNESCO). I've seen more tenuously pitched 
funding bids!

Personally I'd be interested in supervising any critical analysis of the way 
minority/heritage languages are promoted in the present day, and the kinds of 
reasonings and rationales that go into that (e.g. mobilising them as a link to the 
past, as a way of righting historical wrongs, questions of ancestry and national 
identity, etc.). I'm open to a range of methodologies, and I'd be keen to hear from 
people with or without a 'traditional' linguistics background. Is this starting to 
sound like a lonely hearts column? Did I mention I have a good sense of humour and 
enjoy walks on the beach?

Anyway, take a look at the ad linked above, and also be sure to consult the 
eligibility criteria, buried on page 11 of this document http://goo.gl/3G8Fpu. I'm 
happy to discuss potential projects directly - the funding application doesn't 
actually require you to identify a supervisor, but you can mention someone if you 
think there's a clear link in terms of specialisms.

Also note: the deadline is punishingly close for developing a full PhD proposal (26th 
February 2015) so act fast!

Naturally, please pass this message on to anyone who might be interested.

Dave

--
Dr. Dave Sayers
Senior Lecturer, Dept Humanities, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Honorary Research Fellow, Arts & Humanities, Swansea University, UK (2009-2015)
dave.sayers at cantab.net | http://shu.academia.edu/DaveSayers