LINGUIST List 22.892 Tue Feb 22 2011 Support: Language Acquisition, Semantics: PhD Student, U. of Groningen Editor for this issue: Matthew Lahrman <mattlinguistlist.org> To post to LINGUIST, use our convenient web form at http://linguistlist.org/LL/posttolinguist.cfm. Directory         1.     Emar Maier , Language Acquisition, Semantics: PhD Student, University of Groningen, Netherlands Message 1: Language Acquisition, Semantics: PhD Student, University of Groningen, Netherlands Date: 20-Feb-2011 From: Emar Maier <emar.maiergmail.com> Subject: Language Acquisition, Semantics: PhD Student, University of Groningen, Netherlands E-mail this message to a friend Institution/Organization: University of Groningen Web Address: http://www.rug.nl/filosofie Level: PhD Duties: Research Specialty Areas: Language Acquisition; Semantics Description: The Faculty of Philosophy is seeking a PhD candidate for the ERC funded research project BLENDS (Between Direct and Indirect Discourse--Shifting Perspective in Blended Discourse) of Dr. Emar Maier. PROJECT The ability to talk about what others say or think is a key aspect of human cognition. For instance, reported speech constructions (he said it was raining) are claimed to be part of what sets human language apart from that of apes and other animals. In addition, the acquisition of this construction has been related to the acquisition of Theory of Mind, i.e. the ability to reason with the fact that other people have beliefs and desires distinct from one's own. BLENDS tries to unravel how speech reporting in natural language works. It rejects the traditional rigid distinction between direct discourse (John said, 'I'm a fool') and indirect discourse (John said that he's a fool), and proposes an alternative framework of "Blended Discourse". We test this proposal empirically in signed languages, child language and Ancient Greek. The position advertised is for the child language subproject, called "The acquisition of the direct--indirect distinction". Its aim is to investigate if, when, and how children acquire an adult-like conception of the distinction between direct and indirect discourse. The hypothesis is that children start out with a flexible reporting mode where they can freely mix the reporter's and reportee's perspectives. REQUIREMENTS The ideal candidate has - an interest and background in experimental linguistics and formal semantics - an MA or MSc degree in a field relevant to the project (e.g. linguistics, philosophy, A.I. psychology,...), - fluency in Dutch and English - an interest and background in working with children A detailed outline of the research project can be requested by sending an email to filosofierug.nl. The PhD position is for a period of four years on a full time basis. The gross monthly salary will range between 2042 euro per month in the first year to 2612 euro per month in the fourth year. The successful applicant will be working under direct supervision of Dr. Emar Maier (Faculty of Philosophy) with co-supervision of promotores Prof. dr. Igor Douven (Faculty of Philosophy) and Prof. dr. Petra Hendriks (Faculty of Arts). The objective of the appointment is to conceive of and conduct child language experiments, publish the results in research articles, and write a dissertation on the acquisition of reported. speech. The preferred starting date is July 1st 2011. RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education. The current project will be co-hosted by the Department of Theoretical Philosophy of the Faculty of Philosophy, and the Semantics and Cognition group within the CLCG (Center for Language and Cognition Groningen) of the Faculty of Arts. Hence, the successful candidate will be based partly at the Faculty of Philosophy, and partly at the Faculty of Arts. APPLICATION To apply for the position, please send an email to filosofierug.nl and attach - a curriculum vitae, detailing academic qualifications, grades, and a list of publications if applicable, - a letter explaining your motivation, your interest in the project, and your competence in the research field, - a writing sample of about 5,000 words as well as your MA/MSc thesis, - the name and contact details of two referees. The closing date is May 1, 2011. Interviews will be held later in May. Applications Deadline: 01-May-2011 Web Address for Applications: http://sites.google.com/site/emarmaier/blends/job Contact Information:         Emar Maier         filosofierug.nl Read more issues|LINGUIST home page|Top of issue Page Updated: 22-Feb-2011       About LINGUIST    |   Contact Us       While the LINGUIST List makes every effort to ensure the linguistic relevance of sites listed on its pages, it cannot vouch for their contents.