Free University of Bozen · Bolzano - Centre for Language Studies

Language Study Unit – Welcome!

The Language Study Unit is devoted to the analysis of how linguistic systems, languages and language varieties coexist and are related to one another within society, groups and individuals. It emphasizes research in the field of language contact and face-to- face interaction in multilingual contexts, as well as language acquisition and learning, as they are exemplified in the area of South Tyrol.

Data-driven research is based both on qualitative and quantitative approaches, which range from ethnographic fieldwork to statistical analysis; examined phenomena –code-choice and code-switching, learner and ethnic varieties, institutional and informal communication, among others – are analyzed from a systemic perspective, so as to provide explanations for the complexity and regularities of language use.

The centre also cooperates with local institutions providing its expertise in language matters and monitors the multilingual orientation of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano.