33.2801, Support: Computational Linguistics; Typology: PhD, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-33-2801. Wed Sep 14 2022. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 33.2801, Support: Computational Linguistics; Typology: PhD, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

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Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2022 13:41:56
From: Matías Guzmán Naranjo [mguzmann89 at gmail.com]
Subject: Computational Linguistics; Typology: PhD, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany

 Institution/Organization: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg 
Department: General Linguistics 
Web Address: https://www.linguistik.uni-freiburg.de/?set_language=en 

Level: PhD 

Specialty Areas: Computational Linguistics; Typology 
Spatial Typology 

Description:

Two fully funded PhD positions (4 years) in Spatial Typology at the University
of Freiburg im Breisgau

There are two positions available in the newly funded Emmy Noether Project:
Bayesian modeling of Spatial Typology. Spatial typology encompasses contact,
areal linguistics, dialectology, as well as the effects of geography and
cultural features on language. This project aims to develop new statistical
techniques to model different types of contact scenarios, the role of physical
barriers and pathways, asymmetric contact situations, as well as well as more
realistic representations of areal data.

The students will work on one of the following topics:

Position 1 - Asymmetric and symmetric relations in spatial typology:
Models of contact usually assume that the influence of one language on another
is symmetric. However, we know from the literature that this does not reflect
the reality of many contact situations. Very often there are asymmetric
relations between two communities, which can lead to different types of
contact effects. The student working on this topic will develop statistical
models of asymmetric language contact.

Position 2 - Spatial language modelling with polygon and areal data: 
Most work on quantitative spatial typology assumes that languages are
represented as points in space. While this assumption is an adequate
representation of certain situations, it greatly simplifies the complexities
of how languages
are spread in space. This topic aims to remedy this by building statistical
models using more realistic spatial representations of languages in the form
of polygon data. This topic in particular will give the student the
opportunity to learn about and work with different geoinformation system tools
and techniques.

While the two positions are independent from each other, collaborations and
joint work are expected.

Required qualifications:
 - MA/MSc degree (by the start date) in linguistics or computational
linguistics with emphasis on typology, dialectology or statistical modeling.
 - Interest in the general topic of the project.
 - Some knowledge of statistics and R is required.
 - Good command of written and spoken English (knowledge of German is not
required).

Desired qualifications:
 - Knowledge of Bayesian statistics, spatial modeling and geoinformation
systems.
 - Most importantly, candidates should be willing to acquire multiple new
technical skills.

What are the benefits:
 - PhD can be completed in 3 or 4 years
 - Salary according to Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L 65%
 - Students will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in
spatial typology
 - Funding for conferences and workshops, as well as potential summer schools
or short research stays at other universities
 - Access to High Performance Computing resources
 - A vibrant community of linguists working on dialectology, typology and
historical linguistics

How to apply:
Send the following documents to the contact email address below with the
subject "PhD application - Emmy Noether":
 - CV
 - Letter of motivation indicating the topic you would like to work on and
why, and your overall qualifications
 - MA/MSc thesis
 - Writing sample other than thesis (if available)
 - Contact details of two referees who can provide letters of recommendation
upon request

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via zoom.

Review will start 15 October 2022 and will continue until both positions are
filled.

The starting date will ideally be the 01.01.2023, but a later starting date is
be possible.

For further information please contact Dr. Matías Guzmán Naranjo at the email
address below. 
 

Application Deadline: 15-Oct-2022 

Contact Information: 
	Dr Matías Guzmán Naranjo
	mguzmann89 at gmail.com  


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