English Linguistics is concerned with the analysis of the English language system as a whole, comprising first of all the core areas of linguistics: the sound system (phonetics and phonology), the lexicon (lexicology, morphology, lexicography), meaning (semantics), and grammar (syntax, inflectional morphology). We investigate these areas from perspectives inspired by functional and cognitive approaches to language.

Both in teaching and research we furthermore focus on the following areas:

• The history of the English language, in particular the Middle English (ca. 1100-1500) and Early Modern English (ca. 1500-1800) periods. The modern English system is the result of many different developments, e.g. the rise of do-pheriphrasis for negations and question or the integration into English of many Latin words, which were motivated by past language needs and use.
• Language usage in context:
  Pragmatics attempts to find general principles for how speakers express themselves effectively (e.g. by using metaphorical language), how they do things with words (e.g by giving orders), and how they cooperate to make smooth intercourse possible (e.g. by adhering to politeness conventions). Text and discourse linguistics shows how situational and institutional requirements and conditions, such as the legal system, the press or conversation between people of different status, shape registers, genres and textual styles.
• We believe in the importance of using authentic data. Thus, we aim at teaching the methods of empirical linguistic analysis. In particular, we also use linguistic corpora (large collections of electronic text) in teaching and research.