7-Day Mentorship Programme on
Language Description and Grammar Writing
This is a unique opportunity for students and early-career researchers to participate in an immersive mentorship program focused on language description and grammar writing. The program will be led by two distinguished mentors: Prof. Mary Dalrymple, a world-renowned linguist and expert in syntax, semantics, and language description from the University of Oxford, and Dr. Vijay D’Souza, Director of NEILAC and an expert in phonology, language documentation, and revitalization. Participants will receive personalized guidance from the mentors through one-on-one and group mentorship sessions, focusing on key subjects such as morphosyntax, semantics, language description, and linguistic data collection and annotation. Special attention will be given to using tools like FLEx and ELAN for effective linguistic analysis.
Program Highlights:
- Intensive Mentorship: Personalized guidance from mentors, particularly in analysing your data and writing.
- Hands-On Training in Data collection, annotation, and description of endangered languages.
- Small Class Size: Ensures quality mentorship.
Intensive personal work (focused reading/writing) with individual, one-on-one feedback and occasional classes.
- Postdoctoral researchers who have worked on the grammar of any North Eastern language during their PhD.
- PhD scholars from North East India working on the description of North Eastern languages.
- Postgraduate students or researchers working on North East Indian languages.
- You have collected linguistic data and seek guidance on analysing it for your thesis/dissertation.
- You want to convert your thesis (grammar or parts of grammar) into a series of articles or a book and would like feedback and dedicated writing time.
- You are writing or wish to write an article on any North East language (above-mentioned subjects only) and seek guidance or feedback.
- You have specific questions or challenges in analysing your data and want guidance on how to proceed.
- Early Bird Application Deadline: 16 November, 2024
- Second Round Deadline (if places are available): 25 November, 2024
Free training; subsidised food and accommodation. Travel costs to be borne by participants.
Laptop, smartphone, headphones/earphones, and other regular stationery.
1. I am a student of linguistics but feel that I don’t know enough of linguistics to be able to work with the language I am studying. Will the programme benefit me?
Yes, you may apply provided you have already collected your data and are looking for ways to analyse it. You will be guided on your reading and further steps.
2. My data is messy and I am not confident in my analysis. Should I apply?
No need to worry—this is a common experience while working with understudied languages. The mentorship benefit you.
3. Will there be many classes?
No. There will be very few classes or lectures. You should be ready to spend many hours in reading and writing based on the feedback by the mentors.
4. I am a PhD Scholar. What if there is a clash of ideas between my thesis guide and the resource persons at the mentorship program?
The mentorship is designed to support your work without imposing any particular theory or school of thought. You remain in control of your own work.
5. How do I know if I am selected?
You should apply using the link provided above. We will be shortlisting the potential participants soon after the deadline. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online and, if selected, will be invited to register.
6. Is online mentorship available?
No. This is an in-person programme.
To apply for the 7-Day Mentorship Programme hosted by NEILAC, please follow the instructions below:
- Read the Programme Details Carefully: Before applying, make sure to read all the relevant information about the mentorship program. Click here for full program details.
- Complete the Application Form: To apply, click the link at the end of this section to access the Google Form. The form will ask for your personal details, academic background, research focus, and application materials. Please ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready for upload.
- Required Application Materials: You will need to upload the following documents:
- Your CV: Please use the following naming convention: YourFullName_CV_MP_Dec24 (e.g., JohnDoe_CV_MP_Dec24).
- A Writing Sample: This can be an article or thesis chapter demonstrating your work. Name the file: YourFullName_WritingSample_MP_Dec24.
- Draft for Revision (if applicable): If you wish to work on a specific draft during the program, upload it with the naming convention: YourFullName_DraftRewrite_MP_Dec24.
- Statement of Intent: A one-page description of how you plan to contribute to the communities you work with. Use the following naming convention: YourFullName_Statement_MP_Dec2024.
- Accommodation and Meals: If you need accommodation support, please indicate whether you would like to avail subsidized accommodation at Rs 500 per day. This includes meals.
- Selection Process:
- You will be notified if you are shortlisted for an interview. If selected, you will need to cover your own travel expenses and agree to NEILAC’s housekeeping guidelines and program requirements.
For any further questions about the program, feel free to contact us at [neilac@neilac.org.in].