Languages and Literature

The Languages and Literature collection is made up of the following distinct but overlapping areas:

Languages encompasses research on modern languages and linguistics as the scientific study of the structure and development of human language. Linguistics includes but is not limited to research on phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. It also includes the sub-fields of historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, neurolinguistics, and computational linguistics, amongst others.

Literature refers to the trans/disciplinary study of the production, dissemination, reception, structure and function of a wide spectrum of fictional, documentary, and orally transmitted sources. Established fields include literary history, genres, aesthetics and literary discourse.  Literary theory often develops in close dialogue with cognate disciplines, such as Linguistics, Post/Structuralism, Gender Studies, Disability Studies, Postcolonial Theory, Screen Studies, Environmental Studies, and Social Theory.  In recent years the conventional focus on national literatures has been challenged by a transnational approach: writing across boundaries; modes of contact and exchange; trans- and multilingualism; emerging models of citizenship and transitional identities; health, disability and ageing; climate change and the future of the planet are central concerns of literary studies today.

The following collections in Languages and Literature are also available:

• Linguistic Diversity
• Transnational Literature
• Digital Humanities

Collection advisors: Johann-Mattis List (University of Passau, Germany)