Language and Society

Summary

This thematic area includes both work in discourse and social interaction and areas of macro sociolinguistics relating to multilingual and migrant communities, language policy and language planning.

Discourse and social interaction provide a lens to examine social phenomena including:

• individual and social identities and relationships (eg post conflict   identities)
• institutional settings, practices, roles and relationships (eg   institutional complaints handling, classroom interaction, therapeutic   interaction)
• the nature of social interaction itself and particular actions or   practices (eg questions, turn design, swearing, apology, narrative, epistemics)   or interpersonal phenomena (eg identity construction and management, humour,   persuasion, assertiveness, leadership, accountability, conflictual encounter,   emotional displays)

Contacts: Dr Catrin Rhys; Dr Karyn Stapleton; Dr Reihaneh Afshari Saleh

Macro sociolinguistics projects are welcomed that focus on multilingual communities, and particularly on migrant and linguistic minorities,

including:

• public attitudes to migrant languages in public places
• policy and planning in relation to multilingualism and bilingualism
• Language   activism and cultural heritage

Contact: Dr Philip McDermott

Applicants should upload a single document entitled “research proposal” and this should contain two parts:

• A short proposal about the  project to be undertaken (up to 500 words) and to be discussed at the interview if shortlisted
• A short piece of academic writing (published or unpublished)  from a previous research project (up to 4000 words).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.