Four-year PhD position: junior researcher in Italian variationist sociolinguistics

Project

When people migrate, their language moves with them. So far, sociolinguistics has focused primarily on the language of working-class migrants, paying particular attention to non-standard phenomena. Little research has been done on the development of the standard language of highly educated speakers who leave their homeland. This project addresses these research gaps by using a crowdsourcing method to investigate how standard language norms acquired in the home country evolve in the repertoires of highly educated Italians living abroad. This group of speakers represents an ideal test case, since they are assumed to master the two standard norms that characterize contemporary Italian: a literary standard and a so-called neo-standard Italian. The emergence of the latter variety must be understood against the background of the dynamics of de- and re-standardization attested in many European standard languages.

Tasks

The junior researcher will develop and carry out a research project within the overall theme of the project. This will include but is not limited to: 

·     Design and conduct field research for spoken data and experiments 

·     Analyze data according to the objectives 

·     Present results at national and international conferences

·     Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals 

·     Attend specialized courses (e.g. doctoral schools)  

·     Support the organization of workshops and meetings of the project participants

·     Participate in the collective scientific activities and interactions of the research unit or department. In this context, the junior researcher may be asked to provide limited teaching assistance at the undergraduate level and to assist in the supervision of undergraduate
      students. 

Profile

Applications are invited from candidates with the following qualifications:

·     A master’s degree in either Linguistics or in Linguistics and Literature or other degrees relevant to the project. An outstanding record of undergraduate and Master's level work is an asset. Final year students who are sure they will obtain their master’s degree in September
      2024 can also apply.

·     Near-native command of Italian and a good command of written and spoken English

·     Ideally a background or a strong interest in the field of variationist sociolinguistics and/or Italian linguistics 

·     Proficiency in programming skills and statistical literacy are a plus

·     Analytical skills and a passion for research

·     A cooperative attitude and the ability to work independently as well as in a team

·     Willingness to actively participate in an international research project

Offer

The PhD students will be supervised by the three project leaders: Stefania Marzo (KU Leuven), Stefano De Pascale (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Silvia Natale (University of Bern). Research stays at the partner universities are planned. One PhD student will be employed at the University of Bern and one at the KU Leuven according to the guidelines of the respective universities.

The appointment is initially for the duration of 1 year (starting date determined in mutual agreement with the candidate) and will be extended given satisfactory achievements. The junior will have the opportunity to work in an attractive and dynamic working environment with an international team of researchers. Remuneration will be equivalent to the net salary which the beneficiary would receive as PhD bursary at the University of Bern or the KU Leuven.

Interested?

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.