Linguistic research in Giessen puts special emphasis on – but is not restricted to – the in-depth and computer-based analysis of large collections of authentic spoken and written texts, i.e. corpora. Corpus-based methodology is applied to various levels of linguistic description, e.g. phonetics/phonology, morphology, lexicology (in English for academic purposes), syntax (with regard to verb complementation), synchronic and historical sociolinguistics and varieties of English (e.g. Indian English). In the area of non-standard varieties, the history, sociolinguistics and structure of English-lexicon pidgins and creoles form an important area of research, as do dialects of English. Language-pedagogical implications and applications of linguistic analyses are another important field of linguistic research into the English language in Giessen. For example, the English linguistics section has been actively involved in the compilation and analysis of various corpora of German learners' use of English as a foreign language.The English linguistics section also harbours the Coordination Centre for the Research Network Educational Linguistics at the University of Giessen. Other fields of applied-linguistic research in Giessen include linguistic stylistics and pragmatics. The history of the English language is an integral part of the research activities in the English linguistics section as well. Please have a look at the list of on-going Research Projects.

Our section offers introductory courses, seminars, colloquia and lectures for students of all lines of studies (Bachelor programmes, Master programmes, Diplom, M.A., L1-5). The courses cover all major fields in the linguistic sciences, including the linguistic levels of phonology, morphology and word-formation, syntax, text-linguistics and pragmatics. We also provide courses in various applied fields of linguistic research (e.g. psycholinguistics, sociolinguisics), standard and non-standard varieties of English (e.g. Indian English, African varieties of English) as well as in all stages of the history of the English language (e.g. Middle English, Early Modern English, Late Modern English). Please have a look at the current Teaching Programme.

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