Project C02 “Temporality and modalization in discourse structure” of the Collaborative Research Centre 1252 “Prominence in Language” seeks to fill two doctoral positions (each part time, 65%, 25.89 hours/week) from May 15/June 01, 2025 until December 31, 2028. If the necessary prerequisites required by tariff regulations as well as the required personal qualificationsare met, the salary will correspond to the pay grade 13 as specified in the States’ Tariff Agreement (TVL).

Project C02 “Temporality and modalization in discourse structure” investigates mood and modalization applying a prominence-based conception of discourse structure. Previously, the project focused on temporal discourse structure (phase I) and argumentative orientation (phase II). The aim of phase III is to gain a better understanding of TAM (tense-aspect-mood) categories and world reference. The phenomena investigated in detail are (1) propositional attitudes like individual beliefs or evaluations of events, (2) dream contexts and their distinction from the real world, and (3) free indirect discourse (FID) with its different “voices”. The project focuses on two Romance languages. One PhD candidate will work on Spanish, the other on Italian. Both PhD candidates will be encouraged to investigate subject (1), while subject (2) will be addressed with respect to Spanish and subject (3) with respect to Italian.

Your tasks

• Research TAM use with respect to world reference and temporal reference considering the larger discourse context in a Romance language as part of a dissertation project
• Collect and analyze pertinent corpus data
• Design, conduct and statistically analyze experiments on the use of TAM forms in relation to verbal semantics
• Present your results at international conferences
• Support the organization of project conferences and meetings of the CRC

Your profile

• Your studies included a focus on Romance linguistics
• You are capable of thinking conceptually, of quickly fathoming out new research topics, and immerse into new research methods with pleasure
• You have excellent knowledge of one Romance language. Advanced knowledge of another Romance language is an advantage. Furthermore, you have command of both written and spoken English. Basic knowledge of German is an advantage, but may also be acquired during the first year of the PhD
• Teamworking skills are essential