Research Opening

[Am Portagaileach]

Dear all,

I spotted this on the list of the Linguistics Association of Great Britain.

Perhaps someone here is interested or knows a possible candidate.

Best wishes,

Lachlan

*Lord Kelvin / Adam Smith Scholarship Scheme** **Ph.D. Studentship*

*/Language and Identity: The transmission of Scottish Gaelic in the
modern world/*

*Subject areas: Gaelic, Linguistics and Sociology*

Applications are invited for an interdisciplinary research project at
the University of Glasgow involving Gaelic / Celtic, Linguistics and
Sociology, funded by the prestigious Lord Kelvin / Adam Smith
Scholarships scheme which was established in 2007. This project focuses
on linguistic (especially phonetic) and sociological aspects of the
transmission of Scottish Gaelic in the modern world.

Scottish Gaelic (henceforth Gaelic) has reached a critical crossroads in
its fight for survival. Little is known empirically about how Gaelic is
changing and how it is being transmitted to younger generations. This
project will focus on adolescents, a cohort which is well known in
sociolinguistics as important instigators and innovators of linguistic
change, and crucial players in the future survival of minority
languages. It will combine methods and insights from Celtic Studies,
Linguistics and Sociology in order to describe *(a)* the changing
linguistic patterns of adolescent Gaelic speakers, *(b)* the claims
which younger speakers make for the importance of language in
constructing their sense of identity, and *(c)* how claims of identity
correlate with linguistic practices. This research will provide a firm
basis for future national language policy as well as for future research
into the sociology of language use in Scotland with implications for a
new integrated theory of sociolinguistics. The research team includes
Prof. Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh (Celtic), Dr Jane Stuart-Smith (English
Language) and Dr Andrew Smith (Sociology, Anthropology & Applied Social Sciences).

The studentship is suitable for candidates with a good first degree (or
Masters) in either *Celtic / Gaelic *(with some focus on the study of
Gaelic linguistics) /or/ *Linguistics* (including Phonetics and
Phonology), /and / or/ *Sociology* (with some focus on questions of
identity). It is fully funded for four years, including fees, a stipend
at Research Council recommended rates (£13,290 in 2009–10) and £5,300 per year for research expenses and conference attendance.

Knowledge or fluency in Scottish Gaelic, although advantageous, is not
essential. A successful applicant without Gaelic would be required to
learn the language.

*Further information *
For further details of the project, see:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/celtic ... udentship/
You may also contact one of the following:

Prof. Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh

Department of Celtic

3 University Gardens

University of Glasgow

G12 8QH

tel: + 44 (0) 141 330 6327

e-mail: rom@celtic.arts.gla.ac.uk <mailto>



Dr Jane Stuart-Smith

Department of English Language

University of Glasgow

12 University Gardens

Glasgow G12 8QQ

tel: +44 (0)141 330 5533

e-mail:

j.stuart-smith@englang.arts.gla.ac.uk
<mailto>



Dr Andrew Smith

Sociology, Anthropology & Applied Social Sciences

University of Glasgow

Adam Smith Building
40 Bute Gardens
Glasgow
G12 8RT

tel: +44 (0)141 330 5981

e-mail: Andrew.Smith@lbss.gla.ac.uk <mailto>

URL:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/kelvinsmi ... pprojects/


*Application deadline*
The position is open until filled. Applications should be submitted by
*15 May 2009*.

*How to apply*
Applicants for this research project under the Kelvin-Smith Scholarship
scheme should make a formal application for PhD study to the University
of Glasgow. Applications may be submitted online or by post. The
procedures for application, which must be followed, are described by the
International and Postgraduate Service at:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/howto ... rchdegree/

All prospective applicants need to provide:

· a fully completed application form available at:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/howto ... plyonline/

· a PhD research proposal (including proposed methods) of no more than 2
pages entitled ‘Language and Identity: The transmission of Scottish
Gaelic in the modern world’, taking into account the further information
supplied below about the project

· a sample of recent written work in English of at least 2,000 words

· two references from academics who know the applicant’s work well

· an up-to-date curriculum vitae

· certification of proficiency in English (where relevant)

· evidence of first degree work which is a good Upper Second Class or
First Class standard, or equivalent (mainly A grades with some B grades)

Applications should be sent to:

Clerk to the Faculty of Arts

Faculty of Arts

(Kelvin-Smith: Celtic, English Language & Sociology)
6 University Gardens
Glasgow
G12 8QQ
Scotland

tel: +44 (0)141 330 6319/6828
fax: +44 (0)141 330 4537
e-mail: clerk@arts.gla.ac.uk <mailto>