The English Language Research Group

The English Language Research Group defines itself by its interest in a single language, rather than by a shared subdiscipline of linguistics. The group profits from an enormous body of collectively-available knowledge about English at Edinburgh, where research into the synchronic and diachronic linguistics of English has a long tradition, as has work on Scots. We consider how linguistic theory can be developed in relation to English and how English can be better understood through the insights offered by linguistic theory, and we work on aspects of historical and variational linguistics, in part under the aegis of the Institute for Historical Dialectology, a research institute dedicated to aspects of English Language research, maintaining some of the traditions started here by Angus McIntosh.

The ELRG is organised by Heinz Giegerich and Rhona Alcorn. If you would like to be added to the ELRG mailing list, which distributes messages about meetings and other matters of interest to members of the Group, email heinz.giegerich@ed.ac.uk and rhona.alcorn@ling.ed.ac.uk.

The Research Group runs a regular research seminar series.

ELRG members are all active in publishing their research, and in organising and presenting at conferences. Further details about individuals' research interests in English Language can be found on the English Language people page. Some of the details of relevant research which is being carried out by postgraduates in the department can also be found there. We regularly attract visiting scholars, who benefit from and contribute to the research environment.

Details of postgraduate opportunities in English Language at Edinburgh can be found here.