Luigi Rizzi is a Professor of General Linguistics at the Collège de France, focusing on theoretical syntax, syntactic cartography, and language acquisition. He has held academic positions at the University of Siena, the University of Geneva, MIT, UCLA, and ENS Paris. Research Areas : Universal principles in syntax, parametric models of linguistic variation, mapping of syntactic structures, and the interplay between adult grammar and language acquisition. Awards : Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy, Honorary Member of the Linguistic Society of America, Member of Academia Europaea, and International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Publications span syntactic theory, minimalist program, and acquisition studies, including works on intervention effects, left periphery cartography, and the role of Merge in syntactic combinatorics. His teaching integrates adult grammar with developmental perspectives, emphasizing hierarchical representations and functional sequences.
Claudio Di Meola is a Full Professor at Sapienza University of Rome, affiliated with the Department of European, American and Intercultural Studies. He teaches German linguistics and language courses, including German Language I and German Translation III, and coordinates exam schedules for undergraduate and master's students. His institutional email is claudio.dimeola@uniroma1.it, and he holds office hours by appointment. Di Meola's research centers on German linguistics with interdisciplinary foci in cognitive linguistics, morphosyntax (e.g., connectors, prepositions), semantics (metaphor, polysemy, verb tenses), and contrastive linguistics. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in language pedagogy, particularly for Deutsch als Fremdsprache (German as a Foreign Language). Key themes include the simplification of German grammar ( Leichte Sprache ), tense semantics, and cross-linguistic analysis between German and Italian. His recent publications (2020–2024) predominantly explore grammar pedagogy , tense semantics , and contrastive linguistics . Articles analyze the optimization of German teaching materials, structural complexities in German syntax, and pragmatic dimensions of tense usage in discourse. Recurring subfields include morphosyntax, lexical semantics, DaF curriculum design, and cognitive-linguistic approaches to language simplification.
Sophie Salffner is a researcher at SOAS University of London, affiliated with the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. Her work focuses on African languages, particularly the endangered Ikaan (Ukaan) language spoken in Nigeria. Research Interests: Dr. Salffner's research spans phonology, tone systems, and cultural documentation in African languages. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Nigeria, contributing to linguistic theory and methodological innovations in language documentation. Publication Trends: Her publications include studies on Ikaan's tonal grammar, phonetic field methods, and cultural projects. She emphasizes endangered language preservation and interdisciplinary approaches combining linguistics and technology. Labs & Collaborations: Dr. Salffner collaborates with the Centre for Endangered Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (LAC) at SOAS and has worked with researchers like Brian Sands and Mark Tzika on phonetic tools and African language classification.
Assistant Professor Lidija Štrmelj, PhD , works at the Department of English Studies, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Zadar (Croatia), and has taught at the University of Mostar since 2001. Her research focuses on diachronic and cognitive linguistics, with a specialization in medieval English translations, metaphor theory, and lexicography. Graduated in English and Italian Language and Literature (1983) Master's in Linguistics (2005, University of Zadar) PhD in Linguistics (2010, University of Zadar) Her work examines metaphorical patterns in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales , syntactic evolution in biblical translations, and phraseological adaptation in Croatian terminology. She has contributed to dictionary projects and interdisciplinary studies bridging linguistics, literature, and cultural history. Recent publications analyze medieval translations, Shakespearean language, and migration-related linguistic shifts. She is affiliated with ESSE, HFD, and EURALEX.
Marianna Chodorowska-Pilch serves as a Teaching Professor of Spanish at the University of Southern California within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where she contributes to Hispanic linguistics education and research. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics, University of Southern California (1998) M.A. in Hispanic Linguistics, University of Illinois at Chicago (1992) Chodorowska-Pilch specializes in pragmatic phenomena in Spanish, with particular focus on politeness strategies, discourse markers, and grammaticalization processes. Her research examines how linguistic structures encode social relationships through markers like 'verás', 'vamos', and conditional constructions, often employing contrastive analysis between Spanish and Polish. She investigates second language acquisition challenges in pragmatic competence, especially regarding apology expressions and mitigation strategies among Anglophone learners. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals sustained investigation into politeness mechanisms across grammatical domains, with growing emphasis on cross-linguistic acquisition patterns. Recent works (2017-2022) extend her foundational research on discourse markers to examine pragmatic competence development and error patterns in learner Spanish. Her scholarly recognition includes: Multiple UCLA Research Enabling Grants for Barcelona research (2006-2007) University of Barcelona Visiting Scholar Fellowship (2006) Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship for Valencia research (2000) USC Del Amo Fellowships spanning 1992-1997 Copenhaver Award nomination for teaching innovation (2004-2005) Chodorowska-Pilch actively contributes to academic discourse as Advisory Board member for the Annual Review of Cognitive Linguistics and through longstanding membership in the International Pragmatics Association since 1996, demonstrating sustained engagement with linguistic theory and pedagogy.
Damaris Bartz is a Researcher at the Institute for Special Education , Chair of Pedagogy and Intervention for Language and Communication Impairments , University of Würzburg. She holds a Diplom (2010) in General Linguistics/Patholinguistics from the University of Potsdam and has worked in academic and clinical settings since 2010. Her teaching focuses on speech therapy in teacher training programs, and she collaborates with the Research Laboratory for Communication and Language (FoKuS) . Academic Appointments Since 2020: Scientific Associate at University of Würzburg 2018: Education in Logopedics at Charité, Berlin 2016-2017: Seminar Instructor at Humboldt University Berlin Research 2017-2020: PhD on adversative particles ('auch', 'aber') and finiteness acquisition 2015-2016: DFG Project on adversative discourse relations in German, Bulgarian, and English Research Interests: Bartz investigates how adversative particles like 'aber' (but) influence the acquisition of finiteness in German-speaking children, particularly those with developmental language disorders (DLD). Her work bridges morphosyntax with discourse analysis, examining function words' role in syntactic development. Publications: Her publications focus on discourse particles, finiteness realization, and cross-linguistic comparisons in language acquisition. Recent contributions analyze adversative clauses in clinical populations and grammatical development in special education contexts. Clinical Experience: Since 2011, she has worked as a speech therapist in Berlin, specializing in childhood mental health settings. She is affiliated with professional societies like dbs , GISKID , and vpl .
Daisuke Kawahara is a Professor at Waseda University's Faculty of Science and Engineering and a Visiting Professor at the National Institute of Informatics. He holds a PhD in Informatics from Kyoto University (2005) and has previously served as Associate Professor at Kyoto University and Senior Researcher at NICT. His research spans natural language processing, computational linguistics, and AI infrastructure. Education: Ph.D. in Informatics, Kyoto University (2005) Graduate Studies in Intelligent Informatics, Kyoto University (1999–2002) M.Eng. in Electronic & Communication Engineering, Kyoto University (1997–1999) B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering, Kyoto University (1993–1997) Research Focus: Kawahara specializes in NLP, including syntactic parsing, semantic role labeling, language resource development (e.g., JGLUE benchmark), and multilingual corpus construction. His work integrates machine learning with linguistic theory to improve text understanding systems, error correction tools, and dialogue agents. Publication Trends: His recent articles emphasize Japanese and Chinese NLP, neural network-based parsing, and practical applications like educational tools and pandemic information systems. Common themes include benchmarking, corpus annotation, and cross-lingual adaptation. Awards: 情報処理学会 自然言語処理研究会 優秀研究賞 (2025) 言語処理学会最優秀論文賞 (2024, 2023) 科学技術分野の文部科学大臣表彰 (2017) Multiple Best Paper Awards from NLP conferences (2000–2025) Projects & Advising: He leads JSPS-funded projects like Building General Language Understanding Infrastructure (2021–2025) and Acquisition of Knowledge Frames (2018–2021). No student advisees are listed. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project and maintains ties to Kyoto University's NLP lab. Focuses on large-scale language modeling and collaborative AI-human intelligence frameworks.
Marta Donazzan is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Nantes, where she works in the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Cultures (FLCE). She is a researcher at LLING (Linguistic Laboratory of Nantes, UMR 6310), a joint research unit of the University of Nantes and CNRS. Since January 2022, she has served as Deputy Director of LLING, having previously served as interim Director from September to December 2021. Her academic affiliations include: University of Nantes, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Cultures LLING (Linguistic Laboratory of Nantes), UMR 6310 CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) IRL 2034 Worlds in Transition/Mundos em transição, CNRS-Universidade de São Paulo Dr. Donazzan specializes in formal linguistics with a focus on the interface between semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. Her research aims to connect specific language phenomena to general linguistic laws through comparative analysis. She is particularly interested in understanding the ontology of natural language and how languages express definiteness, countability, and reference in both nominal and verbal domains. Her studies employ both qualitative analysis of elicited data and quantitative analysis of language corpora. Her research spans multiple languages including Romance varieties, Mandarin Chinese, and Karitiana, examining language variation at both macro and micro levels. This comparative approach helps shed light on the relationship between functional categories and semantic interpretation across different linguistic systems. Dr. Donazzan has received research funding for several projects including: TAME-INTER: New approaches to the syntax and semantics of TAME across languages (2023-2025), funded by CNRS Nominal and verbal events in Romance causative constructions (2018-2021), funded by DFG Delimiting and identifying events (DelimitEvent) (2014-2018), funded by Fédération Typologie et Universaux du Langage Semantic variation. Event plurality in Chinese and Karitiana (2012), funded by CNPq, Brazil As an educator, Dr. Donazzan teaches general linguistics and English linguistics courses focusing on syntax and semantics. She serves as co-responsible for L2 English LLCeR and represents the English department on the FLCE's commission for transfer and validation of acquired knowledge. She also participates in doctoral thesis grant award juries through the ECLIS Doctoral School Council. Dr. Donazzan is actively involved in the academic community, serving as a member of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Arts and Languages and participating in international collaborations, particularly with the University of São Paulo.
Elena Guerzoni serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Boğaziçi University, where she advises MA and PhD students from her office in JF 305. Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Linguistics from MIT (2003) and a Laurea in Philosophy from Università degli Studi di Milano (1997). Her educational background is reflected in her dual focus on formal linguistic theory and philosophical underpinnings of language. She has taught undergraduate courses including Introduction to Linguistics (Ling 101/111) and Semantics (Ling 305), alongside graduate seminars in Advanced Semantics (Ling 58C/V), Presupposition and Implicature (Ling 613), and Directed Readings in Linguistics (Ling 572/570/579). Guerzoni's research centers on the syntax-semantics-pragmatics interface, with pioneering work on negative polarity phenomena across languages. Her investigations into interrogative embedding predicates, presupposition projection in questions, and focus-sensitive particles like even have reshaped understanding of scalarity and exhaustivity. She examines how minimizer NPIs interact with question operators and why certain particles license negative polarity only in specific syntactic configurations. Analysis of her 13 publications (2000-2022) reveals consistent focus on negative polarity in interrogative contexts, with increasing attention to cross-linguistic variation and pragmatic strengthening mechanisms. Her work bridges formal theory with empirical data from Germanic, Romance, and Turkish, demonstrating how focus particles constrain interpretation in question-answer congruence. As an active contributor to linguistic discourse, she has delivered 15+ invited talks at institutions including MIT, UCLA, and Hebrew University, addressing topics like intervention effects in negative concord and the semantics of whether clauses. Her editorial work includes co-editing A Few from Building E39 (MIT Working Papers in Linguistics) and preparing You Can Ask Whatever You Want (Oxford University Press). No scientific awards are documented in the provided materials, though her publications appear in Q1 journals like Natural Language Semantics and Linguistics and Philosophy . She maintains active research through manuscripts on Turkish hani and Italian verb stress, continuing her investigation into the morphology-syntax-semantics interface.
Mathilde Eveline Keizer is a Professor of English Linguistics: Variation and Cognition at the Department of English and American Studies, Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies, University of Vienna. She serves as both Vice-Director of Studies for English and American Studies and Deputy Head of the Department of English and American Studies, demonstrating significant leadership within the institution. Professor Keizer's educational background includes: MA in English language and literature, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1987) PhD in English Linguistics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1992) Her primary research focuses on the theoretical framework of Functional Discourse Grammar, with particular emphasis on the Noun Phrase in English and Dutch, possessive constructions, reference and predication, definiteness, English pronouns, apposition, information structure, linguistic categorization, and semi-fixed constructions. Professor Keizer leads the FunCog research group, which investigates the intersection of functional and cognitive approaches to language structure. Her work demonstrates how linguistic structures emerge from the interaction of cognitive processes and communicative needs, providing insights into the dynamic nature of language organization. Analysis of Professor Keizer's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on English syntax within the framework of Functional Discourse Grammar. Her work spans noun phrase structure, partitive constructions, prepositional phrases, and adverbial modification, demonstrating the versatility of FDG in addressing diverse syntactic phenomena. A notable trend is her increasing attention to cross-linguistic comparisons, particularly between English and Dutch, which enriches our understanding of language universals and specifics. Professor Keizer has made significant contributions to the field through her extensive publication record, including authored and edited books that have shaped contemporary understanding of functional-cognitive approaches to grammar. Her work has appeared in leading linguistics journals and handbooks, establishing her as a prominent voice in theoretical linguistics. As an educator, Professor Keizer teaches courses on Functional Discourse Grammar, Cognitive Grammar, Linguistic Categorization, Fuzzy grammar, Linguistic models and approaches, The English Noun Phrase, English adjectives, English idioms, and English syntax. She has supervised numerous graduate students through thesis seminars and advanced courses in linguistics, contributing significantly to the development of the next generation of linguists. Professor Keizer leads the FunCog research group, which brings together scholars interested in the intersection of functional and cognitive approaches to language. The group focuses on empirical investigations of linguistic structures through the lens of Functional Discourse Grammar, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research methodologies that bridge theoretical linguistics with practical applications in language teaching and computational linguistics.
Clemens Steiner-Mayr is Professor of Semantics and Pragmatics at the University of Göttingen's Department of English Philology, where he has been teaching since 2017. His office is located in Käte-Hamburger-Weg 3 (Room 0.252), and he can be contacted via phone (+49 551 39-27576) or email. Office hours are by appointment. Education includes a Mag. phil. in General Linguistics and Russian from the University of Vienna (2005), a Ph.D. in Theoretical Linguistics from Harvard University (2010), and Habilitation from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (2017). Research focuses on formal semantics and pragmatics, with emphasis on quantifier interpretation, question embedding, intervention effects, and semantic-pragmatic interfaces. Key projects include PI roles in Semantic constraints on interrogative embedding (ZAS Berlin, 2016-present), Questions and entailment (ZAS Berlin, 2013-2016), and the Emmy Noether Group Interpretation of quantifiers (ZAS Berlin, 2010-2012). Publications primarily explore semantics of questions, negation, quantification, and context dependence. Recent work (2016-2024) demonstrates consistent focus on formal analysis of interrogatives, exception phrases, and intervention phenomena using trivalent logic and cross-linguistic data. No awards or student advisees are documented. Professional history includes a visiting position at the University of Potsdam (2012).
Prof. Dr. Malte Zimmermann is a Full Professor of Semantics and Theory of Grammar at the Department of Linguistics, University of Potsdam. He is also a faculty and board member of the African Linguistics School (ALS), which biannually convenes in West African countries to advance formal linguistics knowledge among African scholars. His editorial roles include Associate Editor for Natural Language and Linguistic Theory and former Associate Editor for Linguistics and Philosophy . His educational background includes: Ph.D. in General Linguistics, Universiteit van Amsterdam (2002) M.A. in German Language and Linguistics/English/Anglistic/Philosophy, Universität zu Köln (1998) Abitur, Gymnasium Athenaeum, Stade/Niedersachsen (1989) Zimmermann's research centers on the interface between linguistic form and meaning, with specialization in formal semantics and grammar theory. His work spans quantification, tense, question semantics, discourse particles, and information structure, with particular emphasis on semantically under-researched West African languages (Chadic, Kwa, Grassfield Bantu). His research combines theoretical analysis with experimental methods, notably through projects like 'ExQ' examining embedded question interpretation across European and Non-European languages. He has led field research in Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria, challenging assumptions about language universals through empirical investigation of linguistic diversity. His publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on cross-linguistic semantic variation, particularly in focus interpretation, quantifier scope, and information structure phenomena. Recent work demonstrates growing integration of experimental methodologies with traditional formal approaches, with frequent comparisons between German, English, and diverse African languages. His investigations into serial verb constructions have been especially influential, uncovering hidden syntactic variability beneath surface similarities across languages like Akan and Igbo. As a supervisor, Zimmermann has guided numerous doctoral students to completion, with recent graduates including Giuliano Armenante (2024), Eva Shipova (2024), and Mareike Philipp (2023). His research has been supported by substantial funding including: SFB1287 Limits of Variability in Language, 'Limits of variability in interpretation' (2017-2021) SPP 1727 XPRAG.de, 'Exhaustiveness in embedded questions across languages' (2017-2020) SPP 1727 XPRAG.de, 'Exhaustivity in it-clefts' (2014-2017) DFG-Network 'Questions in Discourse' (2012-2016) SFB632 Information Structure projects (2007-2015) He leads the Potsdam semantics group (including Peter Sutton, Giuliano Armenante, Jeanne Lecavelier, Anna Struck, and Carla Bombi) which conducts fieldwork in West Africa. Currently, he co-directs the SFB-project on the 'Limits of Variability in Interpretation,' examining scope ambiguities, reconstruction, and bare NP interpretation across German, English, Akan, Igbo, and Medumba. His collaborative work with Edgar Onea (Graz) and Tatjana Scheffler exemplifies his commitment to bridging theoretical linguistics with empirical fieldwork and experimental validation.
Valérie Bourdier is a Senior Lecturer in English Linguistics at Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne's Department of English. She holds significant administrative roles including Head of L1 Primary School Pathway and membership on the CAPES exam jury. Her research explores the dynamics of meaning construction through modals, discourse markers, and enunciative operations, with cross-linguistic analyses of English and French corpora. Research interests center on: Theoretical frameworks: Theory of Enunciative Operations Core themes: Discourse linking, adjectival complementation, anaphora, and nominal determination Methodologies: Corpus-based analysis of contemporary language She maintains active membership in research societies (SAES, ALAES) and collaborates with the IMAGER laboratory's IDEAL team. Her publications since 2018 demonstrate consistent focus on linguistic theory applications to translation challenges and discourse phenomena, with recent work examining interlingual variation and metalinguistic discourse. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses in Grammar, Syntax, and Linguistics. Administrative duties encompass academic pathway coordination and national teaching certification evaluation.
Kevin Rottet is Professor in the Department of French and Italian at Indiana University Bloomington, with adjunct appointments in Linguistics and Spanish and Portuguese. He serves as Director of Graduate Studies (FRIT) and Program Director for French Linguistics. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Linguistics and French Linguistics from Indiana University (1995), an M.A. in French Linguistics from Indiana University (1991), an M.A. in Romance Linguistics from the University of Michigan (1990), and a B.A. in French from Central Michigan University (1988). Professor Rottet's research examines language contact, lexicography, and endangered languages, with emphases on: Contact-induced grammatical change in Louisiana French, Welsh, and Breton Lexicographic practices for minority languages Typological shifts in motion event expressions Pidgin and creole formation His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on comparative linguistics, corpus-based analysis of language variation, and sociolinguistic documentation of endangered dialects. Recent work (2014-2021) explores Welsh syntax, Breton morphosyntax, and Louisiana French lexicography through translation corpora and field documentation. Notable recognitions include: Trustees Teaching Award (2013) Book of the Year Award for Dictionary of Louisiana French (Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, 2011) CAHI Travel and Research Grant (2009) As graduate director, he oversees advising for French linguistics students and has secured grants supporting collaborative research on spoken Welsh corpora. His instructional portfolio includes courses on language structure, revitalization methodologies, and applied linguistics.
Luz Hurtado is Professor of Spanish Linguistics in Carnegie Mellon University's Department of History, World Languages & Cultures, where she has taught since 2001 after earning her Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Recognized with CMU's University Excellence in Teaching Award (2005), she specializes in variationist sociolinguistics with emphasis on Colombian Spanish structures and second language acquisition. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics, University of Florida M.A. in Hispanic Linguistics, Instituto Caro y Cuervo (Bogotá) B.A. in Linguistics and Literature, Universidad Distrital (Bogotá) Professor Hurtado's research employs quantitative methods to investigate how social dynamics shape Spanish phonetics and syntax, particularly in Colombian urban centers. Her fieldwork in Barranquilla and Bogotá examines impersonal constructions, pronoun usage ( uno ), and historical change across generations, while her L2 acquisition studies analyze challenges in mastering Spanish vibrants. This dual focus bridges theoretical linguistics with practical language pedagogy. Her 2010-2019 publications reveal consistent investigation into Colombian Spanish variation, with increasing attention to pragmatic functions of syntax. Key trends include tracking diachronic shifts in impersonality (2012-2016), analyzing speaker stance through pronouns (2016), and connecting phonetic acquisition challenges to linguistic transfer (2010). Her teaching excellence has been recognized through: Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award (University of Florida, 1999) University Excellence in Teaching Award (CMU, 2005) As an advisor, she mentors McNair Scholars and Honors Program students in sociolinguistic research, though specific grant funding isn't detailed in available records. Her courses span Spanish language instruction, phonetics, historical linguistics, and stylistics – all informed by her fieldwork. While not directing a formal laboratory, Professor Hurtado's research operates through collaborative field studies in Colombia and Chile, providing hands-on research opportunities for students interested in Hispanic sociolinguistics and language acquisition.
