2 October: fyi -- corpus linguistics, Belgium
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The research unit Quantitative Lexicology and Variational Linguistics
(http://wwwling.arts.kuleuven.be/qlvl/) at the University of Leuven
invites applications for *a three year post-doctoral position* (01.01.2009
- 31.12.2011) in the research project 'Sociolectometry and lexical
variation'. This project wishes to contribute to the development of a
quantitative, corpus-based lexical sociolectometry. On the basis of large
(available) corpora of Dutch, the project will analyse to what extent
different language varieties exhibit different word choice preferences in
referring to specific concepts. Doing this for many concepts makes it
possible to get a systematic overview of lexical variation in Dutch and to
measure the divergence in word use between varieties, hence the term
/sociolectometry/. However, such a large scale investigation will require
an automated approach to analyse word choices. Therefore, a key aspect of
the project consists of the incorporation of novel methods of automatic
semantic analysis into the lectometric framework previously developed by
the research unit. Computational semantic techniques, like semantic vector
space models, are currently already used in the research unit for exploring
semantic relations between words. The successful applicant will co-ordinate
and spearhead the integration of these techniques into the lectometric
framework and thus develop tools for large scale lexical variation
research. The applicant will closely co-operate with team members in
confronting the linguistic and extra-linguistic lexical knowledge captured
by semantic vector space models with experimental psycholinguistic
findings.
REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have completed all requirements for their PhD degree by
the time of appointment. The ideal candidate should have one of the
following profiles:
a) expertise in computational linguistics, preferably with a focus on
semantic vector space models
b) expertise in sociolinguistics, if possible with a focus on lectometric
research
c) expertise in corpus linguistics, preferably with a focus on the
analysis of language variation.
Candidates with experience in the statistical analysis of natural language
and/or the use of scripting languages are especially encouraged to apply.
Because the successful candidate will work as a member of a project group,
team spirit is indispensable.
Knowledge of Dutch is not required at the time of application, but
non-native candidates will be asked to acquire a working knowledge of
Dutch in the first year of their employment.
FURTHER INFORMATION
A full description of the project and additional information about the
vacancy can be found on our website
(http://wwwling.arts.kuleuven.be/qlvl/job.htm) or obtained from Dirk
Geeraerts or Dirk Speelman.
Funding is guaranteed as of October 1, 2008, but according to the
availability of the candidate, employment may start between October 1,
2008 and January 1, 2009.
APPLICATIONS
Please send applications to both Dirk Geeraerts and Dirk Speelman.
E-mail applications should be sent in pdf format. Please include:
- a statement of your research interests
- a full CV
- two sample publications- the names and e-mail addresses of two referees
Closing date: January 1, 2009
Dirk Geeraerts
E-mail: dirk.geeraerts@arts.kuleuven.be
Phone: ++32 16 32 48 15
Fax: ++32 16 32 47 67
Surface mail: Department of Linguistics,
Blijde-Inkomststraat 21,
PO Box 3308
B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
Dirk Speelman
E-mail: dirk.speelman@arts.kuleuven.be
Phone: ++32 16 32 48 07
Fax: ++32 16 32 47 67
Surface mail: Department of Linguistics,
Blijde-Inkomststraat 21,
PO Box 3308
B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
Disclaimer: http://www.kuleuven.be/cwis/email_disclaimer.htm
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