Reading and Discussion Groups | Department of Linguistics

The reading and discussion groups are informal venues where Linguistics faculty and students meet to present research, practice talks, exchange feedback, and discuss research in the field together. Check out the links below to learn more about our reading and discussion groups, when we meet, who are involved, and so on.

Check out the Fall 2024 Calendar here.

Current Reading Groups

Commentary on the Latest Approaches to Syntax and Semantics in Illinois

In our claSSi group, we discuss and present work related to syntax and semantics, mostly from a formal perspective, although not exclusively. Membership is open to whomever is interested in syntax and semantics.

Experimental Linguistics Group (Exp-Ling)

The experimental linguistics group is a forum for graduate students (as well as any interested undergraduate students, faculty, or visitors) to present research or lead discussions in any area of experimental linguistics.

Phonetics and Phonology Forum (F3)

In F3 [ɛf.θɹiʲ], we discuss and present work related to phonetics and phonology. The group’s interests are quite diverse, therefore the topics discussed range from formal linguistic discussions to applied linguistic discussions. Membership is open to whomever is interested in all areas of phonetics and phonology.

Computational Linguistics Reading Group

The Computational Linguistics Reading Group at UIUC meet every two weeks to discuss seminal works in computational linguistics and natural language processing, learn about state-of-the-art models, and go over useful tutorials in the field.

TESL Pro

TESL PRO is an interest group made for and guided by MA TESL and Applied Linguistics-focused PhD students. . The goal is to focus on topics that give you a chance for academic socialization, such as discussing thesis-writing, data collection, stats, action research, literature reviews, and sometimes just sitting quietly and writing together!

Language Testing Research Group

The LTRG has a long history at UIUC, with a tradition of meetings to discuss articles and issues pertaining to second language testing and assessment. Occasionally featured are conference-paper practice sessions and talks by visiting language testing scholars.

Language and Society Discussion Group (LSD)

We meet once a week to explore and engage with cutting-edge research in sociolinguistics. Each session focuses on reading and discussing a selected paper, offering an open space for lively conversations and shared insights. Whether you're passionate about language and society or simply curious about how sociolinguistics intersects with real-world issues, this reading group is for you!

Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism Reading Group (SLAB)

Interested students and researchers are welcome to join Dr. Silvina Montrul and collaborators in discussing research happening in connection with the SLAB lab. Current projects include work on child L2 and heritage language acquisition, gender cues, and differential object marking.

Historical Linguistics Reading Group

This student-led Historical Linguistics reading group and would be very happy to have more members. We will be discussing papers, research ideas, new methods in the field, and more.

Slavic Linguistics Reading Group

Welcome to the Slavic Linguistics Reading Group! This is a great opportunity to discuss research papers, present research proposals or works in progress, and practice presentations relating to Slavic linguistics. It is intended to be an approachable forum with stimulating conversations and insights for Slavic linguistics enthusiasts.

Illinois É.DUB.BA for Hittitological Inquiry

Social Dynamics of Language Variation and Change Reading Group/Seminar

Organized in the early 2000’s, the Social Dynamics of Language Variation and Change reading group/HRI seminar provides a meeting space for faculty and graduate students to read, discuss, and analyze the latest research in sociolinguistics. Participants also present their research to the group, often in preparation for conference presentations. The SDLVC regularly hosts workshops and guest speakers to talk about new technologies and emerging methodologies in linguistic study.

Korean Linguistics Reading Group

This group is a space for graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, and visitors to present research and/or lead discussions in any area of Korean linguistics.