Jaime Hunt

Dr Jaime Hunt is a Lecturer in Linguistics at the University of Newcastle, Australia, based in the Pathways and Academic Learning Support unit within the College of Human and Social Futures. She coordinates and teaches linguistics courses in the Open Foundation program and has previously taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research focuses on language contact, heritage languages, and sociolinguistics, particularly within German-speaking communities in Australia.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
• Master of Arts in Linguistics, University of New England
• Master of Applied Linguistics, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Newcastle

Research Focus:

Dr Hunt’s research spans several key areas in linguistics. Her work on language contact explores how English influences German through Anglicisms, examining both lexical and structural changes. She investigates language shift and maintenance among German-speaking heritage communities in Australia, focusing on intergenerational transmission and identity. Her studies in heritage languages emphasize German as a heritage language, analyzing its cultural and linguistic preservation. She also contributes to language policy research, examining how institutional policies shape language use and identity in multilingual societies.

Research Trends:

Her publications reflect a consistent focus on German-English language contact, heritage language maintenance, and the sociolinguistic dynamics of migrant communities. Recent work includes corpus-based studies of spoken German, family language policy, and the role of education and media in language preservation.

Awards and Recognition:

• Best Publication Award, English Language and Foundation Studies Centre (2015)
• Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award, English Language and Foundation Studies Centre (2014)

Supervision and Grants:

Dr Hunt currently supervises three PhD students and has completed one. She has led or co-led 12 research grants totaling over $27,000, including projects funded by the Australian Linguistic Society, University of Newcastle, and international institutions like Humboldt University and Alpen-Adria Universität Klagenfurt.

Collaborations and Exhibitions:

She has held visiting scholar positions in Germany, Austria, and Poland. Her collaborative exhibition Heimat in the Hunter (2025) at the Newcastle Museum showcases her research on German-speaking communities in the region.