The Leibniz-Centre General Linguistics (ZAS) is a non-university research institute of the federal state of Berlin. At ZAS, the human capacity for language and its expression through individual languages is explored with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the biological, cognitive, and social factors surrounding this central human ability.
The Leibniz-Centre General Linguistics (ZAS) is seeking a student assistant to support the research project “Contact-induced hybrid clause combining strategies (HybriX)” in research areas FB 2 “Language Development & Multilingualism” and FB 3 “Syntax & Lexicon” (19 hours per week; 14,84 €/h) starting on 01.05.2026. A minimum duration of 6 months is desired.
Job description
Our project HybriX investigates hybrid subordinate clauses that emerge in situations of language contact. These clauses blend two systems of clause combining, one system native to the language in which the hybrid subordinate clauses occur and the other adopted from another language. Hybrid subordinate clauses are of particular interest as they shed light on processes underlying contact-induced language change. A mechanism, which the project investigates, takes apart different systems of forming sentences and recombines them in several different ways. By mixing properties of different systems, this mechanism produces constructions which resemble each other and compete with one another, with the winners spreading in use and leading the change in language.
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The ZAS is certified for ensuring family-friendly working conditions by the audit workandfamily (berufundfamilie)”. The ZAS strives to strengthen gender balance and diversity of staff in all working areas and at all scientific levels. Members of groups traditionally underrepresented in German academic positions as well as in science support positions are particularly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities.
If you are interested, please send us an e-mail with your application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates and proof of academic degrees/grades; BA students are requested to send copies of their high school diploma) as a PDF (by 10.03.2026) to Cem Keskin (keskin@leibniz-zas.de).
ID: 201868