The Linguistics Research Center (LRC) is the research arm of the Department of Linguistics. It facilitates research in theoretical linguistics—morphology, phonetics, phonology, pragmatics, semantics, and syntax—that draws on a range of frameworks and methodological approaches. The LRC’s mission is to enhance the environment for linguistic research at UCSC. It coordinates the department’s research efforts, is involved in the dissemination of the results of that research, and provides a venue for department members to collaborate with other scholars at UCSC and scholars from other institutions. All faculty and graduate students in Linguistics contribute actively to the LRC’s research endeavors.
The LRC plays an important role in coordinating the department’s lab spaces and other research equipment. These comprise several facilities containing eye tracking equipment, an ultrasound imagining machine, sound-attenuated booths for behavioral testing and recording, and computing resources for corpus work and development. The lab spaces anchor the work of several labs and other research groups, which deploy them to understand the core mental mechanisms that enable language, using a variety of methodological approaches, including both analytical ones for formulating hypotheses about linguistic form and function as well as empirical ones for testing and exploring those models.
The LRC provides crucial logistical support for the department’s externally funded research projects, in addition to organizing many research events hosted by the department. These include colloquia, workshops, and conferences, as well as the 1991 Linguistic Society of America Summer Institute. The LRC publishes several working papers series and other works to disseminate the research results of the department. The LRC also maintains the departmental library, which contains a collection of books, journals, and working papers devoted to linguistics.
Finally, the LRC hosts visiting researchers from other universities and from industry, who are interested in participating actively in the department’s research life, through its Research Associate Program.
Contact Information
Phone: (831) 459-2386
Email: lrc@ucsc.edu
Office: Stevenson 251
Lab Spaces
Research in the department is organized around several labs and other research groups, making use of several shared lab spaces. Physically, these comprise approximately 1,200 square feet of space for testing, meeting and analysis. These facilities are located on the second floor of Stevenson College, adjacent to the Linguistics faculty and administrative offices.
- Perception and Recording Lab (221 Stevenson)
This facility is equipped with two sound attenuating booths (40-70 dB reduction) for recording and perception experiments. For studying articulatory phenomena, we have a Terason T3000 portable high-speed ultrasound and Casio Exilim Pro high speed camera. - Eye Tracking Lab (232 Stevenson)
This facility houses an Eyelink 1000 eye-tracker. This desktop-mounted equipment allows head-stabilized tracking at 1,000 Hz or head-free tracking at 500 Hz. For other types of behavioral experiments, there are four testing stations equipped with millisecond-accurate keyboards. - Meeting and Analysis Room (217 Stevenson)
This lab is used for meetings by the Department’s many research groups and for analysis. The space can be reserved using this online form.
The current Lab Coordinator for these spaces is Grant McGuire.
Research Associate Program
The Research Associate Program provides a way for scholars to visit UCSC’s Linguistics Department and participate in the department’s research and social life. Visiting Research Associates pursue their own research projects while contributing actively to the Linguistics community at UCSC: attending classes, seminars, and colloquia, as well as participating in labs and other research groups, conferences, and other events. Research Associates are affiliated with UCSC and given an e-mail address and access to all campus libraries. Depending on availability and number of visitors, the LRC provides Research Associates with a shared office space and internet access.
Applications for Research Associate status are welcome from graduate students, post-docs, or faculty from other institutions or organizations who wish to be affiliated with the LRC for an extended period (typically ranging from a quarter or semester to an academic year).
Eligibility
Research Associates must follow UCSC campus guidelines for appointments. The appointment process typically lasts 6 weeks. International scholars applying for a J-1 visa will need to show evidence of financial support, insurance, and home institution approval. Prior to contacting the Linguistics Research Center please review the information on UCSC’s International Education Office’s website for details. The process for obtaining the necessary visa typically lasts 12 weeks.
Application Process
Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and an outline of the research project to be undertaken while in residence at UCSC, as well as an indication of the desired months of residence to the current LRC Director via e-mail to Matt Wagers. These materials are reviewed by the members of the department in order to establish whether the proposed project fits the research currently being done in the department.
Equipment and Room Reservations
Equipment Reservations
The LRC makes available several recording kits, containing the following equipment:
- Zoom H4n Handy solid-state recorder
- Shure SM58-CN dynamic cardioid microphone with stand
- AKG C520 head-worn condenser microphone
These kits can be reserved for a few hours or up to several weeks using this form.
For general advice about making recordings and recording equipment, see:
- Oral History Tutorial, Audio Technology
- “Field gear: Good, better best,” transom.org
- Digital Audio Field Recording Equipment Guide, Vermont Folklife Center