Project description
Understanding how language evolves while people walk
This project investigates human language in the very environment in which it has evolved, is acquired, and very frequently is used: while walking. Yet, moving communication contexts differ significantly from static ones, as they are dynamic. This unique character of walking and the challenges it yields for perception and experience is prone to impact grammar, lexicon, and verbal interaction profoundly. In Walk and Talk, we conduct a cross-linguistic investigation into grammar and lexicon as they unfold in real time when traditionally mobile Indigenous foragers are walking. The approach involves innovating methodologies for studying language in motion and a data collection from a diverse language sample to develop an explanatory model describing how language takes shape in dynamic speech contexts.
Objective
This project investigates human language in the very environment in which it has evolved, is acquired, and very
frequently is used: while walking. Yet, moving communication contexts differ significantly from static ones, as
they are dynamic: it is in this moving realm where the speech situation is fluid, where reference and topic
environments unfold, and where our bodies interact in ever-changing ways with each other and with the
environment. This unique fleeting character of walking and the challenges it yields for perception and experience
is prone to impact grammar, lexicon, and verbal interaction profoundly. While linguistics extensively studies how
humans talk about motion, the impact of motion on language remains underexplored. To bridge this gap, I ask:
how can language be shaped by the unique perceptual nature of mobility, and how does this affect our
understanding of language once we factor mobility into explanations of linguistic phenomena? Walk and Talk
breaks new ground in the language sciences by introducing mobility as an underexplored realm to linguistic
research. To this end, I and my team of language specialists will conduct a cross-linguistic investigation into
grammar and lexicon as they unfold in real time when traditionally mobile Indigenous foragers are walking. My
approach involves innovating methodologies for studying language in motion and a data collection from a diverse
language sample to reach Walk and Talk’s overarching goal. That is, the development of an explanatory model
describing how language takes shape in dynamic speech contexts. To accomplish these objectives, the research
agenda is tailored to: describe, explore, and compare language use in moving speech settings, explain the
relationship between mobility and language, and document language practices in moving contexts.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- humanities languages and literature general language studies
- social sciences sociology anthropology cultural anthropology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
22100 Lund
Sweden
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.