FITT: Fieldwork Integrates Theory & Typology
Institute of Linguistics, University of Minnesota

Welcome to the University of Minnesota FITT lab!

The main focus of the lab is on theory-driven semantic fieldwork and formal semantics and pragmatics. 

The goals of the lab are to: 

• provide hands-on training to students in semantic and pragmatic fieldwork in understudied languages; 

• develop innovative, open-source fieldwork materials that can be used across languages; 

• provide a space to discuss new and cutting-edge research in semantic theory, methodology, and typology by students, faculty, and invited scholars; 

• provide a home for focused formal and empirical work on South Asian languages.
  
  

The FITT lab is led by Dr. Diti Bhadra (Assistant Professor, Institute of Linguistics, University of Minnesota). It is funded by the National Science Foundation, grant #2143740, Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences. This project promotes a data-theory-typology triad by studying the empirical, theoretical, and typological underpinnings of discourse competence through the lens of discourse particles, with an empirical focus on the languages of South Asia.

Undergraduate Research Assistant positions open! (See flyer below)

The lab is seeking to recruit two undergraduate students for the 2024-2025 academic year, with the positions potentially being extended into the next year as well. These are paid positions and students will be an important part of lab activities. They will have duties including the following, and they will learn many skills associated with each of these duties: 

• linguistic data digitization

• literature review of scientific papers

• assistance with virtual and in-person fieldwork and research

• handling large datasets 

• bibliography building

• website and other digital media maintenance
  
  

We are also always looking for South Asian language speakers to work with us as consultants!
Native speakers of South Asian languages are very welcome to participate in our research studies as paid consultants. If you speak a South Asian language natively, you can contact us to find out how you can participate and get compensated.
Head over to our Get Involved page to learn moreǃ