The Ph.D. researcher will collaborate with Dr. Paul Vogt on the project ‘Cultural and social aspects of multimodal interaction in language acquisition (CASA MILA)’. This project is concerned with the relation between joint attentional usage and infants’ first language acquisition. The project consists of roughly two phases:

  1. The collection of quantitative data on joint attention and multimodal interactions between caregivers and infants (9-24 months old) during field trips to Mozambique and the Netherlands.
  2. The incorporation of these data in computer simulations on language evolution.

For a summary of the project proposal, see

http://www.paul-vogt.nl

The successful candidate will have the following tasks:

  • Prepare and perform empirical research on joint attention and child language acquisition within the CASA MILA project.
  • Carry out fieldwork in Mozambique and in the Netherlands.
  • Publish and present the results at international scientific conferences and in journals.
  • Write a dissertation.

It is required to spend one period of 8 Months in 2010 and one of 2 Months in 2011 in Maputo (Mozambique) , but the Ph.D. researcher will be based at Tilburg University for the remainder of the appointment.

Requirements:

He or she will have the following profile:

  • An M.A. or M.Sc. in (Linguistic/ Psychological) Anthropology, (Developmental) Psychology, Psycholinguistics, Linguistics, Cognitive Science or related subject.
  • Highly motivated and autonomous with good contactual skills
  • Proven research experience regarding child language acquisition or developmental psychology (Experience with carrying out ethnographic fieldwork is an asset.)
  • An excellent command of oral and written English
  • A good command of Dutch and Portuguese (also Spanish/Italian/ French or Changana/Tsonga are acceptable) or the willingness to learn Dutch and/or Portuguese

For more information about the post and details on how to apply please contact dr. Paul Vogt via email or consult http://www.paul-vogt.nl

Application Deadline: 15-Apr-2009

Web Address for Applications:

http://ilk.uvt.nl/~paul/phd-09-02.html

Contact Information:

Vogt Paul Vogt
p.a.vogt@uvt.nl