Our research interests cover a wide range of aspects of Anglophone literatures, linguistic varieties and cultures. In linguistics, we analyse the structure and uses of the English language as well as language acquisition. In literary and cultural studies, we explore the negotiation of cultural discourses in Anglophone literatures, both in the past and the present. Our staff engage in various research projects which also involve MA and PhD students (for details see individual profiles). Our research is situated in the following fields:

Linguistics:

Cognitive Linguistics, Psycholinguistics (First and Second Language
Acquisition), English in Social Interaction (Intercultural Communication),
Relational Work and Politeness Research, Health Discourse

Literature:

English and Irish Literature and Culture since the Renaissance with a focus on literature and space as well as Shakespearean drama; 18th-20th century American Literature and Culture; post-colonial literatures and theory; literary, cultural, and media theory as well as aesthetics

This research profile is unique for the Swiss context since it breaks with the traditional philological approach to English studies.