Structure and Interpretation
Our research under Structure and Interpretation explores the morpho-syntactic, semantic and pragmatic properties of language through four topics:
- Modelling argument structure and predication
The purpose of this research is to explain how to connect (morpho-) syntactic representations to the construction of semantic interpretations at sentence level. We approach this question by studying the argument structure of different types of nominal and verbal predicates and through research on nominal and temporal reference, which highlights the relevance of syntax-semantics interface theories to questions of ontology.
- Study of the quantification of logical operators
Another component in this strand examines logical operators (e.g. quantifiers, connectors, negation) and the relevance of logical properties to the study of linguistic phenomena (polarity and free choice, wh- constructions, distributivity). Our goal is to show that the relationship between language and logic is not only indispensable in the study of language but is also an invaluable tool when considering the variation evidenced across natural languages.
- Characterisation of phenomena linked to enunciation and verbal interaction.
We explore the role of discursive and pragmatic aspects of language through research on the enunciative strategies speakers adopt to communicate meaning beyond assertive structures, and research on multimodality, which studies the contribution of prosodic, discursive, and gestural information. We are also investigating conversational-level disfluency in speech (re-)structuring strategies observed in speakers who stammer.
- Analysis of language acquisition mechanisms
Our research on acquisition (L1, L2, bilingual, heritage language) takes theoretical reflection on a given linguistic phenomenon as its starting point and then uses the different stages of language acquisition across languages to define the phenomenon in question more specifically. As well as contributing to the body of theory, our research aims to determine the role of various environmental, cognitive and social factors (target language properties, previously acquired languages, age, degree of contact, volume and input properties) in the acquisition process.
► For more details, visit the individual pages for LLING members and research topics in the “Doctoral Training” section.
SynSem Seminar
Members of this research project run a seminar, SynSem, where they present their current research and regularly host guest speakers.