The Institute of Linguistics consists of a community of scholars who conduct research and teach in the fields of Historical and General Linguistics. The subject of linguistics includes all areas of human language(s), from structure and history to relationships (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, linguistic change, typology, reconstruction, area linguistics), from meaning and usage to social anchoring (semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics). Languages and dialects are not only expressions of human culture and spirit, but also means of opening up the world and social contact for their speakers. In times when many languages around the world are under increasing threat, we see the documentation of endangered languages and the promotion of the continued existence of linguistic and cultural diversity as one of the most urgent tasks of linguistics.
One of our most important aims is to provide students with a rich, systematic and up-to-date knowledge that reflects the current state of linguistics. Our lectures, seminars and workshops are designed to address fundamental theoretical questions and a range of methodological problems. Students are encouraged to develop their own research questions and areas of interest. At the BA level, we aim to familiarize students with the most important theories and methods. At the MA level, students specialize in either Historical or General Linguistics.
In our research and teaching, we continuously address issues of organizing and portraying social differences. We are committed to creating learning environments that welcome women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people and people with disadvantaged ethnic, national or economic backgrounds.
