Scandinavian Linguistics
Scandinavian Linguistics studies the Nordic languages as means of human communication. In general, this involves two aspects:
Language structures: How can sounds, grammar, and lexicon be described and analysed? What is the function of particular grammatical constructions? How (dis)similar are the individual Nordic languages? In what way are different structural phenomena connected to each other? How (un)common are structural features of the Nordic languages in comparison to other languages?
Language use: The Nordic languages are used in and shaped by specific communicative and social contexts, resulting in a wide range of linguistic variation. How can different varieties of the languages be described in structural terms, and who does speak what to whom? Why and how do the languages change? What is the social and political status of different Nordic languages and varieties? How important is language contact between different languages within Scandinavia, at its borders, and outside the Nordic countries?
Courses in Scandinavian Linguistics focus on the modern Nordic languages and their analysis, based on current linguistic theories and methods. In addition, language history is part of the syllabus.
Details to research papers and presentations and other helpful information can be found on www.steffenhoeder.de.
Staff
Director:
Assistant lecturers:
Student Assistant:
Johanna Nickel B.A.