Clair Hill

I am undertaking fieldwork-based documentation and description of Umpila, Kuuku Ya’u and Kaanju. These language varieties are mutually intelligible dialects of a Paman language group from the north-eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula, Australia. My research is focusing on referential formulation, in particular person reference, and is using this empirical domain to explore the interface between grammar, discourse and culture. My research interests include: language documentation and description; Australian Aboriginal languages; semantics and pragmatics; morphosyntax discourse interface; lexicography; toponymy.

Current major projects:
2006- 2009: Documentation of five Paman languages of Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Funded by Hans Rausing Endangered Languages Project, and hosted by the University of Leuven.
2007-2009: Online Language Community Access Pilot project. Coordinated by Australian Institute of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies (DEWHA funded).
2008-2012: Optional ergative marking and the architecture of case systems. Funded by the Research Council of the University of Leuven.