Sentence Processing During First and Second Language Comprehension

About the Project

Project Overview:

A considerable literature has investigated the memory encoding and retrieval mechanisms that support language processing during real-time comprehension in different populations of speakers. This project aims to investigate these working memory operations in first language speakers and different groups of language learners. This may include comparisons between first language speakers and second language learners, or different groups of bi-/multilingual speakers. Work on this project will involve developing and running psycholinguistic experiments investigating language processing in real-time. Students on this project are welcome to develop paradigms using behavioural tasks, such as self-paced reading or listening, or eye-tracking paradigms, such as eye-tracking during reading or listening. Depending on the interests and expertise of the student, there is also opportunity to use neuroscientific techniques, such as EEG/ERP and fMRI. There is scope within this project to examine language processing in either adult or child populations, and in different languages, depending on the interests of the applicant. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics Lab for further details.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 172 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision and training in a number of different forms. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent) in Linguistics, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neurolinguistics, or a related discipline.
• An MA/MSc (merit or distinction) in a relevant subject would also be advantageous.
• International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

*The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.*

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Psycholinguistics via our online application system.

Further information:

School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences

Enquiries:

Dr. Ian Cunnings, email: i.cunnings@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.

If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.

References

Cunnings, I. (2016). Parsing and working memory in bilingual sentence processing. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728916000675