The Collaborative Research Centre SFB 1287 “Limits of
Variability in Language: Cognitive, Grammatical, and Social
Aspects” in Potsdam, Germany, invites applications for PhD
candidates and/or Postdocs available from July 2017 (subject to
funding commitment)
Language users exhibit a high degree of variability at all levels of the linguistic system,
language use, and language development and change. This variability in language can be
characterised as the range of different possible linguistic behaviours that are available to a language user, a
language community, or in specific languages at any linguistic level. By exploring the systematicity and the
limits of variability in linguistic behaviours, the main focus of the CRC will be on identifying the constraints of
the underlying linguistic system. Several projects will jointly evaluate the limits, relations, dependencies, and
commonalities of different types of variability across a range of linguistic phenomena from the perspectives
of (A) language interaction and change, of (B) language processing, and of (C) grammatical systems. The
CRC provides a fantastic research infrastructure including a large interdisciplinary network of researchers, its
own graduate school, and funding opportunities for conference visits, summer schools, hosting international
experts etc.
Project C02: Limits of variability in interpretation
PIs: Zimmermann / Koller (one position for 26 hours of work per week (65%))
This project focuses on the grammatical, cognitive and communicative factors underlying variability in
semantic interpretation By adopting a cross-linguistic perspective (German, English, Akan), the project will
investigate two central questions in experimentally controlled settings. The first question is about the limits of
intra- and inter-speaker variability in interpretation: Which strategies do language users employ for adapting
semantic interpretation to the communicative needs at hand and for interpreting utterances as felicitous and
true of in a given communicative setting? The focus is on the (un-)availability of structural, lexical, and
evaluative adaptation processes in four semantic phenomena: quantifier scope, pseudo-incorporation,
existence presuppositions, and counterfactuals. We will test the (un-) availability of interpretations and
adaptation procedures in relation to differences in communicative setting and in relation to constraints
imposed by the underlying grammatical systems. We seek to identify (i.) interpretive procedures that are
systematically blocked across speakers and trials; and (ii.) interpretive procedures requiring structural
reanalysis. Such cases shed light on the workings of the syntax-semantics interface and help to evaluate the
autonomy hypothesis of syntax. The second question addressed is which aspects of variability in semantic
interpretation are constant across languages, and which ones are language-specific and constrained by the
grammars of the underlying linguistic systems. Here, we focus on differences in word order (rigid vs flexible),
in the inventory of functional markers for expressing (in-)definiteness, and in the functional inter-pretation of
definite markers across languages. The empirical data will be collected in a series of offline experiments and
then statistically analyzed. The findings will improve our understanding of the structure-meaning interface
and of the nature and relative importance of diffeerent constraints on interpretations.
The University of Potsdam hosts leading groups in the field of linguistics and cognitive sciences
(http://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/cognitive-sciences/index.html). Potsdam is an attractive historical city and its
palaces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Potsdam is close to Berlin, a culturally vibrant city and home to
a lively start-up scene. Both cities have a high quality of life at modest living costs.
The salary is determined by the collective bargaining agreement for public employees in Germany (TV-L 13
Ost). All positions are temporary and limited to a term of 4 years in accordance with Section 2 subsection 1
of the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Law (WissZeitVG). The position(s) require completed academic
studies at an institute of higher learning (Master degree or equivalent).
Under the laws of the federal state of Brandenburg, employees under this contract are permitted to dedicate
at least 33% of their contract time for their scientific qualification. The University of Potsdam strives to
maintain gender balance among its staff. Severely disabled applicants shall receive preference in case of
equal qualifications. We expressly invite applications from people with migration backgrounds.
Please send your application as a single PDF including: (1) a statement of research interests and motivation,
(2) a full CV, (3) the names and e-mail addresses of at least two referees, (4) academic transcripts, (5) list of
publications/talks/presentations, and, if applicable, (6) a link to a copy of the master's or PhD thesis by June,
20, 2017 to [email protected]. Late applications might be considered. Please clearly indicate in the
subject line for which of the projects/positions you apply (e.g., “C02”).
For further information: [email protected] or [email protected]