About Us

Research topic:

The University Research Priority Program (URPP) Language and Space explored the fundamental connections between language and space, focusing on three key areas of research: Language in Space (Linguistic Areas), Space through Language (Interactional Spaces), and Space in Language (Spatial References). In these intersections, researchers of the URPP examined how the mechanisms of the spatial distribution of linguistic features work and the interrelationship to personal identification, how language and space interact through human perception and action, and how spatial references in language reflect conceptualizations of space.

Research structure:

The URPP Language and Space was an interdisciplinary research network at the University of Zurich. Its unique combination of cutting-edge technology and insights from dialectology, language typology, interactional linguistics, and GIScience made it one of the leading programs of its kind in Switzerland. The program brought together more than twenty-five  professors from ten disciplines and two faculties.

Promotion of junior scholars:

The URPP Language and Space promoted excellent junior researchers, who explored the program’s research topics in their doctoral and post-doctoral projects.  In addition, two assistant professorship positions were created to further strengthen the program’s academic foundation.

Public relations:

The URPP Language and Space actively engaged in the dialogue with the wider public to share its research findings and raise awareness of its relevance.