1. Linguistic diversity
A world of languages
2. "Topics"
In terms of fields
Chinese languages
– rather than: languages in China
- semantics
- phonetics
- phonology
- morphology
- syntax
- lexicon
Recent examples (BA, MA, PhD)
- Syntactic exploration of spoken Mandarin sā 'tree items'
- Word-class issues for bíjiǎo ~ bǐjiào 'compare' ~ comparative' ~ 'relatively'
- "Curiouser and curiouser: On Mandarin qí le guài le"
- The tone system of Taiwanese Mǐn
Sinographics
– as in: a linguistic approach to Chinese writing
- developments in the Chinese character script,
- its influence on other writing systems,
- the impact of printing and digital revolutions
- alternative written modes in the sinophone world
- ludic writing
- alphabetical orthographies
- linguistic systems of transcription
Evolutionary linguistics
– language as a biological system
- Darwinian mechanisms in linguistic variation
- the semantic origins of syntax
- neurological memetics
3. What I can offer
In terms of teaching philosophy
Observation-driven research
– not topic driven
In three consecutive steps:
- Original observation(s)
- Research question(s)
- Analysis
Intensive thesis supervision
– Supervision as feedback
– Science as dialogue
Extensive thesis apparatus
– "Writing on language" guide
– "Linguistic transcription" guide
– Attention to terminological issues
An early finish
– Careful timing of thesis writing
– Writing schedule in tune with the teaching semester
– Freeing up holiday time: a rested mind is more creative and productive
