Research cluster

Experimental Linguistics

A close up of a microphone with a busy conference room in the background.

Understanding the how and why of language processing

Our work in Experimental Linguistics applies cutting-edge methodologies to answering questions about linguistic perception, production, and representation.

We use behavioural paradigms, eye-tracking, and brain-based measures such as EEG, to explore the interface between psycholinguistic models and theoretical approaches to language.  Approaching experimental linguistics from many backgrounds, we have expertise in how speech is perceived by adults and children, how sentences are processed in the mind of the reader, how dialect knowledge is acquired and used in perception, and in quantifying language loss in diverse populations.

Contact us
Research Cluster Lead Dr Laurel Lawyer
Department of Language and Linguistics, University of Essex
Departmental Director of Research Dr Kyle Jerro
Department of Language and Linguistics, University of Essex