Re: CogSci or Linguistics faculty / departments that would be open to a PhD thesis in conlanging?

Sai Emrys, On 20/06/2006 11:53:
> As a preliminary probe...
>
> I'm seriously considering expanding my NLF2DWS essay into a full-blown
> thesis paper - way expanded toplevel theory (i.e. what's there now),
> philosophical & linguistic-theory implications, an actual
> implementation, possibly experiments on top of it, etc. It's the only
> thing I can think of that I would actually *enjoy* spending five years
> of in-depth research on.
>
> I am wondering: do any of you know people or departments that might
> actually take it seriously and be willing to allow me to do a PhD in
> it? I would prefer a degree in cognitive science (as I think the topic
> is very multi-field syncretic), and it's always nice to have a
> recognized name on the diploma, but that's nitpicking. :-P
>
> My guess is that it's going to be a question primarily of personality
> of the professors, department chair, and grant underwriters - i.e.
> would they be willing to allow something that is this different? It'd
> be less research paper than actual original creation, and we know what
> the usual linguists' response is to conlanging...
>
> Anyhow - if you know people who'd be willing to talk to me about this,
> or whom I would have a decent shot at convincing to sponsor me, please
> let me know.
>
> Likewise, if you have general advice / comments / suggestions / etc in
> response, speak up.
I don't know the situation in the US, but in the UK I'd advise targeting your
application at a creative arts doctoral programme, but to also request joint
supervision by a sympathetic somebody with interests in linguistics and cog
sci. (Such a proposal would wash at my institution, given that I'd be able to
act as its advocate, but I can't seriously recommend it to you, as you'd surely
not be able to withstand the penury, the culture shock, or the climate.)

--And.