Chinese Subgroup & Phonology: PhD Student, University of Kansas, USA

Institution/Organization: University of Kansas
Department: Linguistics
Web Address: http://www.linguistics.ku.edu/

Level: PhD

Duties: Research

Specialty Areas: Phonetics; Phonology


Chinese Subgroup

Description:

Research Assistantship in Tonal Phonology of Chinese

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Kansas invites applications
for a MA/PhD level Research Assistant beginning August 2009 on the tonal
phonology of Chinese.

The patterns of tone sandhi in Chinese dialects can be extremely intricate, and
many mysteries remain unsolved as to how speakers internalize these patterns.
The RA will participate in a project funded by the US National Science
Foundation that investigates the productivity of tone sandhi patterns in various
Chinese dialects using the wug test paradigm. The goals are to understand the
factors that influence the productivity of sandhi patterns--articulatory
constraints, perceptual distinctiveness, lexical frequencies, and phonological
opacity of the patterns are some potential candidates--and to formally model
these factors in phonological grammar. The RA is expected to fully participate
in all aspects of the project, including literature review, experimental design,
data collection and analyses, and presentation of the results at conferences and
in manuscripts.

The RA position is contingent upon being admitted to the MA or PhD program in
Linguistics at the University of Kansas. The position provides a monthly stipend
of $1,440 including the summer and full waiver of tuition and fees for two
years. There will also be opportunities for other teaching and research
assistantships and fellowships for the remaining years of the successful
applicant's graduate studies.

The applicant should have a strong background in phonology, phonetics, and
native or near-native abilities in one or more Chinese dialects. Familiarity
with Wu dialects of Chinese such as Shanghai is particularly welcome.

Interested parties should email Dr. Jie Zhang by May 20, 2009 for detailed
information on how to apply for the position and for graduate studies in
Linguistics at KU. Please summarize your relevant experience and research
interests in your initial email.

Application Deadline: 01-Oct-2009

Mailing Address for Applications:
Attn: Dr. Jie Zhang
Department of Linguistics, University of Kansas
1541 Lilac Lane, Blake Hall, Rm. 427
Lawrence KS 66044
USA

Contact Information:
Dr. Jie Zhang
zhang@ku.edu