Overview
Project Name: New languages seen with new eyes: evidence for the emergence of grammar in signed languages (SLs) using new methodologies and technologies
Project Description: The aim of the project is to use a corpus of Australian SL (Auslan) and British SL (BSL) to collect evidence in support of the claim that grammar is an emergent feature of language, driven by frequency and usage. The theoretical framework can be broadly characterised as “functional-cognitive usage-based construction grammar”. The aim is to explain how languages acquire grammar, with particular reference to the role that gesture plays in language variation and change in the visual-modality, using Auslan/BSL as a case study. There will be a focus on single and multiple sign constructions used to express completed actions.
Multiple sign constructions will also be examined for evidence for grammatical relations in Auslan/BSL. The hypothesis is that some variation in the form and use of particular signs and constructions in the corpus reflects different degrees of grammaticalisation in subgroups of Auslan/BSL users (e.g., signers in different age cohorts or regions). This corpus-based project is designed to test this hypothesis. The research also aims test early descriptions of Auslan/BSL that were made without the benefit of corpora. The project aims to exploit innovative corpus methodologies (e.g. ID-glossing) and technologies (e.g. the ELAN multi-media annotation software). The project is funded by the Australian Research Council and will run for 4 years (2010-2013).
In addition to completing the requirements of the ARC funded project, the PhD project can be tailored to suit the particular research interests of the candidate, but must use the Auslan/BSL corpus dataset. In doing this the candidate will work closely with a deaf Research Associate and another deaf PhD candidate who, together, will be primarily responsible for creating and validating annotations. The candidate must be prepared to learn how to use ELAN to a high level of proficiency in order to search and query the corpus.
Eligible Candidates
The candidate must have an undergraduate degree with a major in linguistics, a good knowledge of a SL (preferably Auslan or BSL, but this is not essential), and excellent English skills. The candidate must be prepared to learn Auslan/BSL to a basic conversational level during their candidature if they are not already familiar with it at the time of enrolment. A co-tutelle enrolment may be considered for a suitably qualified international candidate, but the majority of the candidature must be spent at Macquarie University.
For further discussion regarding the project, applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, A/Prof Trevor Johnston; email trevor.johnston@mq.edu.au Phone +61-2-9850 8067 +61-2-9850 8067.
Value of this scholarship
The 2010 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $22,500 pa tax exempt for 3.5 years.
Application requirements
Applicants will need to complete a candidature/scholarship application form and arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted to the Higher Degree Research Office. Refer to: http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/applications for further application instructions. Macquarie University will advise the successful applicant of entitlements at the time of scholarship offer.
Please quote the allocation reference number 2010086 on your application form.
Please kindly mention Scholarization.blogspot.com when applying for this scholarship
Project Name: New languages seen with new eyes: evidence for the emergence of grammar in signed languages (SLs) using new methodologies and technologies
Project Description: The aim of the project is to use a corpus of Australian SL (Auslan) and British SL (BSL) to collect evidence in support of the claim that grammar is an emergent feature of language, driven by frequency and usage. The theoretical framework can be broadly characterised as “functional-cognitive usage-based construction grammar”. The aim is to explain how languages acquire grammar, with particular reference to the role that gesture plays in language variation and change in the visual-modality, using Auslan/BSL as a case study. There will be a focus on single and multiple sign constructions used to express completed actions.
Multiple sign constructions will also be examined for evidence for grammatical relations in Auslan/BSL. The hypothesis is that some variation in the form and use of particular signs and constructions in the corpus reflects different degrees of grammaticalisation in subgroups of Auslan/BSL users (e.g., signers in different age cohorts or regions). This corpus-based project is designed to test this hypothesis. The research also aims test early descriptions of Auslan/BSL that were made without the benefit of corpora. The project aims to exploit innovative corpus methodologies (e.g. ID-glossing) and technologies (e.g. the ELAN multi-media annotation software). The project is funded by the Australian Research Council and will run for 4 years (2010-2013).
In addition to completing the requirements of the ARC funded project, the PhD project can be tailored to suit the particular research interests of the candidate, but must use the Auslan/BSL corpus dataset. In doing this the candidate will work closely with a deaf Research Associate and another deaf PhD candidate who, together, will be primarily responsible for creating and validating annotations. The candidate must be prepared to learn how to use ELAN to a high level of proficiency in order to search and query the corpus.
Eligible Candidates
The candidate must have an undergraduate degree with a major in linguistics, a good knowledge of a SL (preferably Auslan or BSL, but this is not essential), and excellent English skills. The candidate must be prepared to learn Auslan/BSL to a basic conversational level during their candidature if they are not already familiar with it at the time of enrolment. A co-tutelle enrolment may be considered for a suitably qualified international candidate, but the majority of the candidature must be spent at Macquarie University.
For further discussion regarding the project, applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, A/Prof Trevor Johnston; email trevor.johnston@mq.edu.au Phone +61-2-9850 8067 +61-2-9850 8067.
Value of this scholarship
The 2010 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $22,500 pa tax exempt for 3.5 years.
Application requirements
Applicants will need to complete a candidature/scholarship application form and arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted to the Higher Degree Research Office. Refer to: http://www.hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/applications for further application instructions. Macquarie University will advise the successful applicant of entitlements at the time of scholarship offer.
Please quote the allocation reference number 2010086 on your application form.
Please kindly mention Scholarization.blogspot.com when applying for this scholarship
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