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Sesquipedalian #8
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To: ling-local
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Subject: Sesquipedalian #8
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From: Kyle Wohlmut <kyle>
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Date: Thu, 16 Nov 1995 14:16:01 -0800 (PST)
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Cc: gopher-quip
the SESQUIPEDALIAN Volume VI, No. 8
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New York Rangers play first game (1926) November 16, 1995
JOB TALK
Part 1: Employer Talk
At last, the definitive guide on how to interpret all those job ads:
"ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION":
A) Your salary will be around $7/hour on paper.
B) You will be working 60hrs/week averaging $4/hour.
"ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION IN AN UP-AND-COMING COMPANY":
A) You'll be making under $7/hour.
B) You'll work 80hrs/week.
C) We'll be bankrupt in a year.
"AN UP-AND-COMING SOFTWARE COMPANY":
A) We want you to get your hopes up, but there's no chance
we'll be the next Microsoft.
"PROFIT-SHARING PLAN":
A) Once it's shared between the higher-ups, there won't be a
profit.
"COMPETITIVE SALARY":
A) We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors.
"JOIN OUR FAST-PACED COMPANY":
A) We have no time to train you.
b) You'll have to introduce yourself to your coworkers.
"NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADER":
A) Inc. Magazine wrote us up a few years ago, but we haven't
done anything innovative since.
"IMMEDIATE OPENING":
A) The person who used to have this job left a month ago.
B) We're just now running the ad.
"SELF-MOTIVATED":
A) Management won't answer questions
"SALES POSITION REQUIRING MOTIVATED SELF-STARTER":
A) We're not going to supply you with leads.
B) There's no base salary.
C) You'll wait 30 days for your first commission check.
"WE OFFER GREAT BENEFITS":
A) After 90 days, you can join our HMO, which has a $500
deductible and a $25 co-pay.
"PENSION/RETIREMENT BENEFITS":
A) After 3 years, we'll allow you to fund your own 401(k).
B) We'll give you a 0 to 5 percent matching contribution,
at our descretion.
"SEEKING ENTHUSIASTIC, FUN, HARD WORKING, PEOPLE":
...who still live with their parents and won't mind our
internship-level salaries.
"CASUAL WORK ATMOSPHERE":
...we don't pay enough to expect that you'll dress up; well,
a couple of the real daring guys wear earrings.
"COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT":
...We have a lot of turnover.
"EXCITING AND PROFESSIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENT":
...Guys in gray suits will bore you with tales of squash and
their weekends on yachts.
"JOIN OUR DYNAMIC TEAM":
...We all listen to nutty motivational tapes.
"FUN WORK ENVIRONMENT":
A) Your coworkers will be insulted if you don't drink with them.
B) Your coworkers bring their kids in.
C) Your coworkers are constantly selling candy for their kids.
"A DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT":
...We booze it up at company parties.
"MUST BE DEADLINE ORIENTED":
...You'll be six months behind schedule on your first day.
"SOME PUBLIC RELATIONS REQUIRED":
...If we're in trouble, you'll go on TV and get us out of it.
"SOME OVERTIME REQUIRED":
...Some time each night and some time each weekend.
"SALARY RANGE $24k-$32k":
...We'll offer you $22k to start.
"A HIGHLY VISIBLE POSITION":
...You'll give boring speeches on your own time.
"FLEXIBLE HOURS":
...Work 60 hours; get paid for 40.
"DUTIES WILL VARY":
...Anyone in the office can boss you around.
"WHERE EMPLOYEES FEEL VALUED":
...Those who missed the last round of layoffs, that is.
"MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL":
...We have no quality control.
"COLLEGE DEGREE PREFERRED":
...Unless you wasted those four years studying something
useless like philosophy, English or religion.
"CAREER-MINDED":
...Female Applicants must must be childless (and remain that
way).
"APPLY IN PERSON":
...If you're old, fat or ugly you'll be told the position has
been filled.
"NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE":
...We've filled the job; our call for resumes is just a legal
formality.
"SEEKING CANDIDATES WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCE":
...You'll need it to replace three people who just left.
"PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS A MUST":
...You're walking into a company in perpetual chaos.
"REQUIRES TEAM LEADERSHIP SKILLS":
...You'll have the responsibilities of a manager, without the
pay or respect.
"GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS":
...Management communicates, you listen, figure out what they
want and do it.
"ABILITY TO HANDLE A HEAVY WORKLOAD":
...You whine, you're fired.
-/-\-/ LOOK WHO'S TALKING /-\-/-
-- Charlotte Linde will be giving a talk at the American
Anthropological Association today, called 'A Framework for the Study
of Forms of Institutional Memory.'
-\-/-\ LINGUISTICS COLLOQUIUM \-/-\-
Friday, Nov. 17, 3:30 pm.
Margaret Jacks Hall (460), Room 146
Sam Mchombo
University of California, Berkeley
Reciprocals in Bantu: Quantification in Morphology?
The Bantu languages of sub-Saharan Africa are very stable in their
syntactic representation of the reciprocal construction. With few
exceptions, the reciprocal is morphosyntactically realized by the verbal
suffix -an-. The following examples from Chichewa illustrate the point:
1a Alenje a-ku-thamangits-a asodzi
2-hunters 2SM-pres-chase-FV 2-fishermen
'The hunters are chasing the fishermen'
b Alenje ndi asodzi a-ku-thamangits-an-a
2-hunters and 2-fishermen 2SM-pres-chase-recip-FV
'The hunters and the fishermen are chasing each other'
The elaborate noun classification system in Bantu languages sometimes
introduces problems of noun-verb agreement when coordinate structures
involving nouns from different gender classes are in the subject or
object positions. One strategy to resolve such a problem is to exploit
the use of a comitative construction. The reciprocal construction is thus
routinely not only as 1b above, but also as in 1c below:
1c Alenje a-ku-thamangits-an-a ndi asodzi
2-hunters 2SM-pres-chase-recip-FV with 2-fishermen
Lit. 'The hunters are chasing each other with the fishermen'
As a verbal suffix the reciprocal interacts with other such affixes which
include the causative, the applicative, the stative, the passive, etc;
yet, among Bantuists the reciprocal is rarely ever treated like the other
verbal suffixes. In this work I will review the various proposals about
the proper analysis of the reciprocal in Bantu, arriving at a solution that
derives from a careful examination of the interaction of the overt verbal
morphology in Bantu languages with the information from f-(unctional)
structure (f-s) and a-(rgument) structure (a-s), as outlined in the
architecture of the theory of Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG).
Further, I will try to integrate this into the ongoing work, conducted at
CSLI under the directorship of Stanley Peters, on the semantics of the
reciprocal as a quantifier type element.
--------------
Reception follows.
For directions and a complete list of colloquia, see
http://www-linguistics.stanford.edu/~kessler/colloq/
-\-/-\ CALL FOR PAPERS \-/-\-
-- ICHL-XIII: The 13th International Conference on Historical
Linguistics (Heinrich-Heine-Universitaet of Duesseldorf, Germany):
10-17 August 1997. Papers are invited for either any topic in
historical linguistics, or one of the special topic areas:
Media, written language, and language change
Norms and change of (linguistic) norms in modern societies
Markedness, naturalness, and the invisible hand
American Indian languages: relationships and developments
Universal and social factors in language contact
The development of Yiddish as a contact language
Linguistic prehistory and history in Eastern Europe
One page abstracts may be submitted by mail or e-mail (ASCII format only),
to arrive no later than 1st October 1996. For info:
rennecke@phil-fak-3.phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de
-- CLIM-96: Student Conference in Computational Linguistics in
Montreal/Colloque Etudiant de Linguistique Informatique de Montreal
(08-11 June 1996, Universite de Montreal). OBJECTIVE: provide an
international forum for graduate students to meet, exchange ideas, and
present their research. The conference will consist of short
presentations by graduate students as well as talks by invited
speakers. Student presentations will be 30 minutes long and may be
given in French or English. The proceedings will be published. A
special session will focus on the theme of "problems specific to the
treatment of French". Articles may be submitted to either the theme
session or the general session. Articles may describe research in any
area of computational linguistics. The conference will be organized
around, but not limited to, five major topics: speech (analysis,
synthesis, etc); treatment of multiple languages (machine translation,
text alignment, text generation, etc); computational linguistic theory
(computational morphology, phonology, syntax or semantics, discourse
analysis, etc); statistical methods in natural language processing
(Markov models, decision trees, etc); the lexicon (lexicography,
terminology, etc). SUBMISSION FORMAT : students wishing to present a
paper should submit one copy of an anonymous one-page (400 word)
abstract describing original research by February 9th, 1996.
Abstracts must clearly indicate the subject of the paper, the specific
problem treated, and the results or solution. They must be
accompanied by a separate page containing the following information:
the author's (or co-author's) name, university affiliation, and
complete address (including email); and the topic (if more than one,
indicate the main topic; if none of the above-listed topics is
applicable, specify "other"). Electronic submissions will be accepted
in the following formats: ASCII, Word (RTF) for Macintosh, and LaTeX
(self-contained files only). Abstracts which do not meet the above
specifications will be returned to the authors. Submissions should be
sent to the following address:
CLIM@iro.umontreal.ca
Paper submissions will also be accepted. They should be mailed to the
following address (and postmarked by February 9th):
CLIM
Departement de linguistique et de traduction
Universite de Montreal
C.P. 6128, succursale "Centre-ville"
Montreal (Que)
H3C 3J7, CANADA
Students whose submissions are accepted by the selection committee
will be required to provide a paper of approximately six pages in
length for inclusion in the proceedings. Deadline for submissions is
9 February 1996. Une version francaise de cet appel aux
communications a ete envoyee separement.
-\-/-\ JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS \-/-\-
(REDUNDANCY NOTICE: For fuller listings of these and other jobs, don't
forget to check the Jobs binder in the Greenberg Room, and the file
'jobslist.txt' on the CSLI directory /user/linguistics.)
-- INDIANA UNIVERSITY-BLOOMINGTON: The Cognitive Science Program and
the Computer Science Department at Indiana University-Bloomington seek
applicants for a joint faculty position, with rank open. Start date
may be as early as Fall 1996, pending funding approval. We are
looking for outstanding researchers at the forefront of the field,
with ability to contribute to both Cognitive Science and Computer
Science. Research area is open, including, for instance, neural net
modeling, logic, reasoning, representation and information, language
and discourse, robotics, computational vision and speech, visual
inference, machine learning, and human-computer interaction.
Applications from women and minority members are specifically
encouraged. Indiana University is an Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity Employer. The prospective faculty's office and laboratory
will be based in the Computer Science department, which occupies a
recently renovated spacious limestone building, and has extensive
state-of-the-art computing facilities. Responsibilities will be shared
with the Cognitive Science Program, one of the largest and most
esteemed programs in the world today. The attractive wooded campus of
Indiana University is located in Bloomington, voted one of the most
cultural and livable small cities in the US, and a mere 45 minute from
the Indianapolis airport. To be given full consideration applications
must be received by February 15, 1996. The application should contain
a detailed CV, recent publications, brief statement of interests and
future directions, and either three letters of recommendations, or a
list of three references. Two copies of the application file must be
sent:
Cognitive Science Search Cognitive Science Search
Computer Science Department Cognitive Science Program
Indiana University Psychology Department
Bloomington, IN 47405 Indiana University
Bloomington, IN 47405
Internet: cogsci-search@cs.indiana.edu
or iucogsci@indiana.edu
-- MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY: The Linguistics Department at Montclair
State University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track
position in linguistics beginning in September 1996. (Position subject
to available funding.) Montclair is a New Jersey State teaching
university located about 15 miles outside of New York City.
Applicants should have a strong background in theoretical linguistics
(phonology and/or syntax) and an ability to relate this knowledge to
areas within applied linguistics. Familiarity with a variety of
theoretical frameworks is desirable. Expertise in computational
linguistics is essential. Candidates with a background in a
non-Indo-European language are especially encouraged to apply.
Preference will be given to applicants with a broad range of
interests. (These might include such areas as semantics, first
language acquisition, or historical linguistics.) Applicants should
have a commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.
Responsibilities will include undergraduate and graduate teaching in a
variety of areas of linguistics, student advisement, scholarly
research, department and college committee assignments, and
participation in the development of a new Ph.D. program in Applied
Linguistics. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Linguistics. At least 1 year of
university teaching and a demonstrated research record are desirable.
Rank and salary dependent on qualifications. Application deadline is
November 27, 1995 but applications will be read until the end of
November. Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and 3 letters
of recommendation to
Dr. Alice F. Freed, Acting Chair
Linguistics Department
Montclair State University
Box C316, V - 1
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.
Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Institution.
-- The Linguistics Department at the University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, South Africa, is accepting applications for a possible
Lecturer position in SEMANTICS and PRAGMATICS. The successful
candidate will have proven teaching experience and research interest
in Semantics and Pragmatics and should be willing and able to teach
Historical Linguistics, Language and Cognition, and Cross-Cultural
(South African) Communication at introductory levels as well.
Secondary interests in syntax and cognitive science are also desirable
qualifications. If the Ph.D. has not been awarded, the thesis should
be well under way and near submission. In addition to mainly
undergraduate teaching, staff members are expected to conduct
scholarly research and contribute to the academic community as a
whole. The starting date of the position is not yet fixed, but is
expected to be 1 July 1996. The research opportunities within South
Africa are varied and considerable. Both the University and the
government grant agencies offer generous support for research and for
attendance at local and international conferences. The Linguistics
department has a strong tradition of research in Khoisan and Bantu
languages. In addition, there is a history of cooperation between
this department and the Department of African Languages. Therefore, a
candidate's interest in (Southern) African languages, although not
necessary, will be considered an asset to any application. A deadline
for applications has not yet been set, because the position has not
yet been confirmed. However, once the position is confirmed, the
department will have to move quickly to fill the vacancy. Therefore,
we urge applications before 20 December 1995. Some interviews will be
conducted at the LSA meeting in San Diego and can also be arranged for
the MLA meeting in Chicago. For additional information on the
position or interviews, contact Lynne Murphy at
104LYN@muse.arts.wits.ac.za
Send letters of application, including c.v. and names, addresses, and
fax/e-mail of three references to:
Professor A. Traill
Department of Linguistics
University of the Witwatersrand
Private Bag 3
PO WITS 2050
SOUTH AFRICA
fax: 27-11-716-8030
e-mail: 104anth@muse.arts.wits.ac.za
-- SFU: Subject to funding, a temporary position is available in the
Natural Language Laboratory of Simon Fraser University for a
computational linguist. The successful applicant will be working on
aspects of speech recognition and machine translation projects. The
term of the position is from February, 1996 - May, 1996. Salary is
commensurate with experience. Applicants should meet the following
criteria:
* Have considerable experience with probabilistic approaches
to natural language processing
* Have experience with large corpora
* Have experience with unification-based grammar formalisms
* Hold at least a Masters degree in Computer Science
* Have native knowledge of Portuguese
Interested applicants should send a letter of application, curriculum
vitae and contact addresses of at least three people for letters of
reference before November 30, 1996 to
Paul McFetridge
Department of Linguistics
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5A 1S6
mcfet@cs.sfu.ca
-- Forum Technology: Vacancies exist for two people in ASR within a
leading edge small commercial company. One post is for an experienced
researcher, the other for a fresh graduate in computer science. Forum
Technology and the Defence Research Agency, Malvern, have been working
together on a major DTI funded collaborative speech recognition
project. The project is based in the foot of the hills in Malvern,
Worcestershire, England. Forum is a small, young and dynamic company
which has been engaged in work on voice products and speech
recognition for some years. The Defence Research Agency, Malvern
(formerly Royal Signals and Radar), has been engaged in speech
research for several decades. Forum Technology is looking for people
who can help develop new systems and products. The posts will involve
language modelling research, some acoustic modelling research and
development work. The first post if for an experienced researcher.
Previous experience with statistical processing of speech and language
is necessary. The second post is for a fresh graduate in computer
science. Experience in C programming and some knowledge of C++ is
required. Previous exposure to statistical processing of speech and
language would be a plus. Our negotiated renumeration packages are
definitely above industry standards. For further information please
write to "Language R&D", David Bijl, Forum Technology, D.R.A. Malvern,
WR14 3PS. To apply please send your c.v. Should e-mail be preferred,
the use of subject "Vacancies" would be much appreciated.
-- Research Engineer - One Year Full-Time Contract with Benefits.
Must have significant experience in C++, 3-5 years working on complex
SW projects, as well as a background doing technical research.
Commercial software development experience highly desired. BA
required, master's preferred in a technical discipline. This is a
world class opportunity doing speech recognition research and product
development. Please send your resume and cover letter with salary
requirements to: Director, Human Resources, Dragon Systems, Inc., 320
Nevada Street, Newton, MA 02160; FAX: (617) 332-9575. We're an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer which recognizes the
strength of a diverse workforce.
-- GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY: Assistant professor of English, Ph.D. in
Linguistics. Tenure-track position beginning August 1996. The
Linguistics Program at George Mason University solicits applications
for a theoretical linguist specializing in Second Language Acquisition
with a secondary specialization such as child language acquisition,
morphology, syntax, phonology. Ability to relate theory to practice
desireable. Position pending budgetary approval. Send vita,
representative work, recommendations, and a statement of research
interests to
Charles Jones
Linguistics Search
English Department 3E4
George Mason University
Fairfax VA 22030-4444
All materials must reach us by December 1, 1995. AA/EO
(REDUNDANCY NOTICE: For fuller listings of these and other jobs, don't
forget to check the Jobs binder in the Greenberg Room, and the file
'jobslist.txt' on the CSLI directory /user/linguistics.)
-/-\-/ INSTA-PRIZE /-\-/-
SNAIL'S PACE: A car travels to Budapest at 20 mph and then returns at
30 mph. What is the average speed for the round trip?
Solution to TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY: Sunday. (What's a 'stile,' anyway?)
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-\-/-\ CONSERVE DISK SPACE \-/-\-
So you may delete your copy after you've read it (or better yet,
before you've read it), the Sesquipedalian Weekly Herald is stored
online at Stanford (in directory /user/linguistics/Sesquip/), and
at Berkeley (in the directory /usr/pub.) The most current issue of
the Herald can be found by typing 'help quip'.
Neither Stanford University nor the Linguistics Department, nor any of
their employees, makes any warranty, whatsoever, implied, or assumes
any legal liability or responsibility regarding any information,
disclosed, in this publication, or represents that its use would not
infringe privately owned rights. No specific reference constitutes or
implies endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Stanford
University or the Linguistics Department, or their employees. Any
similarity to actual linguists, living or dead, is purely
coincidental. The views and opinions expressed herein do not
necessarily reflect those of Stanford University or the Linguistics
Department, or their employees, and shall not be used for advertising
or product endorsement purposes.
Not intended for use as a flotation device
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