The research undertaken in Modern Languages and Linguistics incorporates the following research centres:
Centre Director: Professor Roumyana Slabakova
The main focus of the Centre for Linguistics, Language Education and Acquisition Research is the research and advanced teaching in applied linguistics. The Centre (CLLEAR) is continuing the mission of the CALR (Center for Applied Linguistic Research), established in autumn 2003. Our current focus is postgraduate teaching and research in applied linguistics (theory and practice of language teaching, language education policy), psycholinguistics (first, second and third language acquisition), linguistics (syntax, semantics and pragmatics of natural languages) and sociolinguistics (language globalisation and language policy studies).
The Centre has taken over management of MA and research programmes in applied linguistics and English language teaching from the former Centre for Language in Education.
Centre Director: Dr Eleanor K Jones
The Centre for Transnational Studies (TNS) brings together expertise in modern languages, and regional and national identity in modern Europe. Multi-national research projects in linguistics, literary and cultural studies, film and television studies and historical, social and political studies will cut across language barriers and national frontiers.
Centre Director: Dr Will Baker
The Centre for Global Englishes produces and disseminates research on the linguistic and sociocultural dimensions of global uses and users of English (Global Englishes), and on English as a Lingua Franca in particular. It provides a forum for knowledge-sharing and collaboration with other interested researchers and centres around the world.
Centre Director: Dr Claire Le Foll
Modern Languages staff also actively participate in the Parkes Institute for the Study of Jewish/non Jewish Relations . The centre opened in October 2000 following an award of £844,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Board and support from the University of Southampton, the University of Reading and the Institute of Jewish Policy Research. The award was the second largest that year and the highest ever made by a public funding body to the field of Jewish Studies. This is the UK's first research centre devoted to studying the relations between Jews and non-Jews. The Parkes library has 20,000 items and 500 manuscripts.
Centre Director : Professor Mike Kelly
Based in Humanities, Avenue campus, LLAS has been providing high quality professional development, resources and information to the higher education sector since 2000. It was formerly part of the Higher Education Academy Network and continues to work in partnership with the HEA to support the UK higher education languages, linguistics and area studies community. The Centre’s activities also extend to working across sectors and internationally.
Centre Director: Professor Mike Kelly
Routes into Languages
is funded by HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England) and HEFCW (Higher Education Funding Council for Wales) it oversees the running of 10 regional consortia and 2 National Network in England and Wales. The regional consortia consist of a cluster of regional HEIs working together and with schools and colleges to run events that will inspire and encourage students to take up languages beyond GCSE. The National Networks work with employers to encourage careers in Translation and Interpreting.
The project has been given nearly £10 million since it began in 2006/07 and is currently funded until July 2011.
Centre Director: Mrs Vicky Wright
Languages South East provides support and training for language teachers in schools, colleges and other organisations across the South East of England. Working in partnership with others across the region which reaches across to Kent and up to Milton Keynes, Languages South East is keen to ensure that the work started during the Links into Languages programme continues. We are currently developing a programme of activity for the 2011/2012 academic year, which includes workshops and conferences, language upskilling courses and a bespoke menu of training that is flexible to best meet the needs of individual schools and networks of schools.
eLanguages is an elearning research and development group within Modern Languages involved in the delivery of elearning (online courses and resources),and research and development projects involving new technologies.
Modern Languages eLearning Group is an elearning research and pedagogical development group formed of practitioners across Modern Languages, and those working in areas associated with Modern Languages.