linguistic Variation constrained by Cognition, Acquisition and Social context

VARCAS investigates how variation in language is constrained by cognition, acquisition, and social context. We study the reciprocity relationship between choices speakers make in linguistic expression and construing events, and behind that, how the available lexical and grammatical options in a particular language come about in the first place.

Key objectives

To unravel systematic patterns in linguistic variation within and across different types of languages, language users, and contexts of language use and emergence;
To understand how different types of constraints interact to explain variation and commonalities in language;
To integrate approaches to language variation from psycholinguistic, sociolinguistic, theoreticallinguistic, evolutionary, and typological perspectives into a comprehensive account of language variation.

Impact

VARCAS aims to seek explanations for variation in language use in different languages, language users and contexts. As such, we can provide a picture of systematicity in variation, allowing for better understanding of cross-cultural communication, language use in specific social and societal contexts, various language acquisition paths, and language emergence. Knowing more about possible outcomes of bilingual language acquisition and bilingual language use and factors that play a role in these outcomes can inform discussion on language policies.

Events

Two meetings per month, which alternate between a workshop session and a presentation by an invited external or internal speaker.

Coordinator and group members

Suzanne Aalberse
Margreet Dorleijn
Monique Flecken (coordinator)
Wenwen Guan
Jenia Khristoforova
Caitlin Meyer
Liberty Notarte-Balanquit
Jeannette Schaeffer
Marieke Schouwstra
Beyza Sümer
Bertus van Rooy
Henning Radke
Jianan Li
Michal Korenar
Julia Bacskai-Atkari
Owen Kapelle

Visual presentation of VARCAS