Malene Monka

Malene Monka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nordic Studies and Linguistics at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Humanities. Her research centers on sociolinguistic dynamics of Danish dialects, with emphasis on urban dialect evolution and the interplay between language and geographical/social identity.

Her primary research explores urban dialects in Denmark (particularly Aabenraa and Aalborg), language change in real time, and processes of dialect leveling. She investigates how historical, economic, and attitudinal factors tied to specific places influence dialect use, with current focus on 'place' as a sociolinguistic driver of change. Key interests include language and mental mobility, dialect authenticity, and tourism's impact on linguistic landscapes.

Monka's recent publications reveal a strong trajectory in Southern Jutlandic (Sønderjysk) dialect studies, analyzing lexical evolution (e.g., 'Mojn' as salutation, 'Mut' as term of endearment), comprehension barriers, and literary representations. Her work increasingly examines digital platforms like TikTok as catalysts for dialect revival among youth, highlighting generational shifts in rural and urban settings.

She actively disseminates findings through 116 recorded activities including lectures on Nordic language understanding and dialect conferences, alongside 56 media contributions discussing topics like Sønderjysk's resurgence on social media and cultural significance of regional speech patterns.