Sociolinguistics PhD

University of Liverpool

The nexus between people and language is where most sociolinguistic research takes place. At the University of Liverpool, research in sociolinguistics focuses on the relationship between society and language, drawing on the expertise of colleagues in modern languages.IntroductionWith specialists exploring sociolinguistic issues in the Francophone, Hispanophone, Lusophone and Italophone world, as well as in North Africa and the Middle East, sociolinguistics research at the University of Liverpool enables you to explore a range of national and transnational perspectives on research into language and society.We’re home to a critical mass of researchers examining the linguistic landscape, asking questions around language in the public space, tackling themes of migration studies, and exploring regional and minority languages in France, Italy and the Middle East. Our work is set against a context of language policy, language ideologies and linguistic legitimacy.Research topicsWe welcome research proposals that are in areas matching the expertise of our researchers. Potential themes of your research could include:Linguistic landscapeslanguage policy and education,Language and migrationLanguage and new mediaNew speakersMinority and regional languagesThe sociolinguistics of memorialisationPostcolonial sociolinguistics.You’re also welcome to suggest your own theme for a potential research project. Some current and recent PhD topics include:Young speakers of Mexican indigenous languages: contesting language ideologies and policiesA socio-cognitive approach to audiovisual translated texts: dubbing/subtitling in TV series (English/Italian)Regional languages in the linguistic landscape: the visibility and status of Occitan and Corsican in southern FranceBrand names in the linguistic landscape of Aqaba, JordanManaging France’s regional languages: language policy in bilingual education in AlsaceInvestigating current language policy in Alicante: a case studyMultilingualism in the linguistic landscape of urban Jordan.

University of Liverpool