Anna Jelec

Dr. Anna Jelec is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Cognitive Linguistics, Faculty of English, Adam Mickiewicz University, where she conducts research on gesture studies, cognitive linguistics, and abstract concepts. She holds a Ph.D. in English Linguistics (2013) and has collaborated with institutions like the Specjalny Ośrodek Szkolno-Wychowawczy dla Dzieci Niewidomych im. Synów Pułku w Owińskach. Her work bridges cognitive science, discourse analysis, and educational applications of gesture studies.

• Education:
  • BA in English (2007)
  • MA in English (2009)
  • Ph.D. in English Linguistics (2013)
• Research Focus:

  Her research explores how gestures interact with cognition in blind and visually impaired individuals, revealing insights into metaphorical thinking and language acquisition. She examines spontaneous gesture systems, objectification in abstract concepts, and multimodal communication, with particular interest in Polish and English language dynamics.

• Scientific Contributions:

  Through grants from the National Science Centre (2011-2016), including a principal investigator role for "Cognitive role of gesture in the language of congenitally blind and visually-impaired children", she has advanced understanding of gesture's cognitive role. Her publications span Cognitive Discourse Analysis, Conceptual Metaphor, and Phonological Processing in language learning.

• Awards & Recognition:
  • Rector's Award for Scientific Achievements (2014)
  • Rector's Award for Organizational Activities (2013)
  • Pro-quality Scholarship for doctoral students (2012-2013)
• Teaching & Outreach:

  She teaches seminars on Cognitive Communication Design, Conference Interpreting, and Academic Discourse. As guest lecturer at Europa Universität Viadrina, she connects gesture theory to interdisciplinary applications, including workshops at Noc Naukowca and Festiwal Innowacji Społecznych.