ReseaRch Quality assuRance foR the futuRe a ... - Lund University

Panel 4 – Languages / Philosophy
There are internal theoretical conflicts, especially between the generative
linguistic and the other, more usage-oriented approaches. This puts a
strain on the formulation of a common strategy and also on curriculum
construction, giving the impression that strategic thinking is not a priority.
We do not recommend any attempt to prioritise one theoretical approach
over another, since the likely outcome of this would be destructive, divisive
and unproductive. A more fruitful way forward would be to identify
theoretically or practically driven research topics that can potentially be
brought together under more general themes, and to promote fruitful
interchange around these thematised topics. In some ways this approach is
already practiced: for example, in the field of language acquisition, researchers
tend to cooperate well, despite differences in theoretical orientation.
The international dimension of collaboration involving members of SOL
is excellent, including conference organization activities, editorships,
memberships in academies and learned societies, evaluations for lectureships
and professorships, and number of visitors coming and going.
We rate the overall level and results of collaboration very good.
1.5 Research activity and teaching
As stated in the self-evaluation report, the relation between research and
teaching is stronger in Nordic languages and general linguistics than in
foreign languages. There are, however, successful examples of incorporating
research perspectives in undergraduate teaching of foreign languages.
With SOL’s strong language acquisition researchers, this should be
done more systematically. We rate the relation between research activity
and teaching as good.
1.6 Evaluation of future plans
The plans are mostly in the spirit of continuing and extending work
that has turned out to be successful so far in the frameworks mentioned
above. The major new foci are microvariation in generative syntax,
computerization of language acquisition research and (somewhat
unspecific) possible topics to be addressed by the methodology offered by
the Humanist Laboratory. Surprisingly, the major new future research
opportunities are claimed to be language policies and politics, minority
languages, language problems of immigrants and other similar problems.
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