Institute of linguistics

Profile

The focus of our research and teaching lies on linguistic theorizing, which is based on crosslinguistic comparison. Our approach encompasses both a synchronic perspective (grammatical theory, linguistic typology, language universals) and a diachronic perspective (language change, especially grammaticalization theory) on language. We strive to combine a strong emphasis on naturalistic data and empirical work (linguistic field work, language documentation, descriptive linguistics) with sophisticated methodological and theoretical reflection. In our empirical work we concentrate on the collection, analysis and storage of linguistic data (compilation and annotation of corpora, interface with language technology). This includes the use of state-of-the-art technology. In our theoretical work a special focus is placed on the interfaces between social cognition, language structure and language use (discourse and conversation analysis, anthropological linguistics). Whether theoretical or empirical, our research is firmly cross-linguistic. This means that next to standard European languages and their non-standard varieties especially non-European languages play an important role. Additionally, we include language change in our scope of research next to the analysis of synchronic language data.

Parent organisational units

• University of Münster
  • Schools and Faculties
    • FB09 - Faculty of Philology