PhD position in Sociolinguistics (1.0 FTE)

Applications are invited for a fully funded four-year PhD position in the field of Sociolinguistics. The planned project is anticipated to focus on the role of exposure to fictional narratives in willingness to adopt gender-inclusive language.

The PhD Project
Linguistic strategies for integrating gender-inclusive language vary across languages. In Dutch, this process is in its early stages, particularly regarding pronominal change. While they have been taken up by the LGBTQ+ community and have gained some institutional recognition, the non-binary pronouns “die” and “hen” remain contested in general usage. Resistance to these pronouns is shaped by multiple factors, including cognitive load, familiarity, and speaker attitudes. For example, the pronoun “die” may be more easily integrated in usage due to its existing grammatical function as a demonstrative. Uptake is further influenced by group identity and individual beliefs. To date, sociolinguistic research has largely focused on pronoun selection, comprehension, and attitudes. However, little is known about the factors that drive attitude change and intended future usage. This PhD project aims to address that gap by investigating whether narrative exposure—specifically, encountering gender-inclusive pronouns in stories featuring gender non-conforming characters—can promote greater acceptance and usage of these forms. The project offers the opportunity to contribute to current debates in sociolinguistics and to engage with timely questions concerning language change, identity, and inclusion. It allows for methodological flexibility, and candidates will be encouraged to develop their own approach within the broader research framework. This project would suit candidates with an interest in sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and, more generally, language and identity studies.

Under the joint supervision of Dr Morana Lukač and Dr Suzanne Manizza Roszak, with Prof Remco Knooihuizen as the professor of record, the successful candidate will develop their own specific project within these parameters, depending on the candidate’s interests and experience. This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to acquire valuable research experience in this field while working in an international environment.

You will be asked to:
- Conduct research independently
- Present your research at academic conferences
- Publish a series of articles stemming from your research
- Complete the PhD in the specified timeframe (4 years)
- Potentially teach within the department of European Languages and Cultures and/or within the Minor in Gender and Diversity in Science, Society and Culture

Organisation

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has established an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative university offering high-quality teaching and research. Its 27,000 students are encouraged to develop their own individual talents through challenging study- and career paths. The University of Groningen is an international centre of knowledge: It belongs to the best research universities in Europe and is allied with prestigious partner universities and networks worldwide.

The Faculty of Arts is a large, dynamic faculty in the heart of the city of Groningen. It has more than 5000 students and 700 staff members, who are working at the frontiers of knowledge every day. The Faculty offers a wide range of degree programmes: 15 Bachelor's programmes and over 35 Master's specialisations. Our research, which is internationally widely acclaimed, covers Archaeology, Cultural Studies, History, International Relations, Language and Literary Studies, Linguistics and Media and Journalism Studies.