Linguistics

The linguistics research group brings together linguists from the Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics at the University of Tartu. Their research focuses on the grammar of Uralic languages and their development in areas that have been less described and interpreted—such as the origin, function, and evolution of modal particles and discourse organisation markers in smaller Uralic languages. The group also systematically investigates structural and lexical changes that have occurred in Estonian, Livonian, and other Finnic languages. To support this work, they utilise the capabilities of new databases like UraTyp and Grambank.

Particular attention is given to contact-induced changes—their dynamics, consequences, and explanatory potential in light of the historical background of local language groups.

This research enhances understanding of the relationships between Estonian, other Finnic languages, and their eastern relatives. It also contributes to knowledge about the developmental processes that have led to these differences. New findings in these areas will help improve the aforementioned databases and, in the long term, support the development of a data-driven method that integrates typological and historical information.

Members of the Research Group

Gerson Klumpp, Professor of Finno-Ugric Languages at the University of Tartu, Head of the Linguistics Research Group

Karl Pajusalu, Professor of the History and Dialects of the Estonian Language at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Miina Norvik, Associate Professor of Finnic Languages and Linguistic Typology at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Elena Markus, Associate Professor of Finnic Languages at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Denys Teptiuk, Research Fellow in Finno-Ugric Languages at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Marili Tomingas, Research Fellow in Livonian Language at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Triin Todesk, Research Fellow in South Estonian Languages at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Eva Saar, Research Fellow in Finnic Languages at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Petar Dimitrov Kehayov, Professor of Finnic Languages at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Helle Metslang, Professor Emerita at the University of Tartu, Principal Investigator

Janek Vaab, Junior Research Fellow in Finno-Ugric Studies at the University of Tartu, Contributor

Merit Niinemägi, Junior Research Fellow in Sámi Languages at the University of Tartu, Contributor

Iuliia Zubova, Junior Research Fellow in Finno-Ugric Studies at the University of Tartu, Contributor

Eda-Riin Tuuling, Junior Research Fellow in Komi Language and Specialist in Subject Information at the University of Tartu Library, Contributor

Patrick O’Rourke, Junior Research Fellow in Estonian and Finno-Ugric Linguistics at the University of Tartu, Contributor

Axel Castren Jagau, Junior Research Fellow in Estonian and Finno-Ugric Linguistics at the University of Tartu, Contributor