Lena Späth

Lena Späth is a Researcher at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, affiliated with the German Institute within the Philosophy and Philology school. She holds an MA in German Studies (Linguistics) and has been involved in the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1482 'Human Differentiation' since 2021, focusing on Subproject C01: Linguistic Human Differentiation. Her work explores cultural-analytical linguistics, linguistic anthropology, and sociogrammar semantics, with a current project analyzing the diachronic linguistic negotiation of human-animal boundaries.

Education highlights include an MA thesis titled 'Pregnant mares, pregnant cows, or hamsters in other circumstances' (2020), a BA in German Studies (2014–2020), and prior research experience at the Digital Surname Dictionary of Germany (DFD) (2015–2020). She also completed a B.Ed. in German/Latin (2011–2014).

Her research interests emphasize the intersection of language, gender, and societal boundaries. Publications span topics like gender-sex correlations in animal names, linguistic boundary-drawing practices, and digital toponymy. She has taught 'Introduction to Historical Linguistics' (2021–2022).

Current projects include an ongoing doctoral project within SFB 1482, supported by a scholarship from the Academy of Sciences and Literature Mainz (2020–2023).