Barbara Soukup

Barbara Soukup is an Associate Professor at the University of Vienna, affiliated with the Faculty of Philology and Cultural Studies and the Institute of German Studies. Her academic career spans institutions including Georgetown University, where she earned a PhD and MSc in Linguistics, and the University of Vienna, where she completed her Mag.phil. in English and French.

• Education:
  • PhD in Linguistics, Georgetown University (2008)
  • MSc in Linguistics, Georgetown University (2005)
  • Mag.phil. in English and French, University of Vienna (2000)

Research Interests focus on sociolinguistics, multilingualism, and construction grammar, with particular emphasis on linguistic landscapes, language attitudes, and cognitive sociolinguistics. She pioneered the Variationist Linguistic Landscape Study (VaLLS) methodology and explores dialect use in Austrian media and public spaces.

Recent Publications (2020-2025) analyze quantitative approaches to linguistic landscape research, dialect as metonymic devices, and language attitudes in multilingual urban environments. Articles highlight Vienna's linguistic diversity and methodological innovations in sociolinguistic fieldwork.

Awards & Grants:

• Elise-Richter Grant (2014)
• Psychology of Language Award (2014)
• Conference Travel Grants (2002)
• University of Vienna Achievement Award (2001)

Projects include ELLViA (2014-2021) and VisibLL (2022-2025), both examining linguistic landscapes in Vienna through citizen science and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has delivered over 100 lectures and participated in public exhibitions on urban multilingualism.