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Katharina Vajta

Professor

Department of Languages and Literatures
Telephone
+46 31-786 52 68
+46 766-18 52 68
Mail
katharina.vajta@sprak.gu.se
Visiting address
Renströmsgatan 6
41255 Göteborg
Postal address
Box 200
40530 Göteborg

About Katharina Vajta

Research

My scientific foundation lies in sociolinguistics, which was the starting point in my thesis work. From there, I have continued along two primary paths: deepened sociolinguistic studies and language education (focusing primarily on French teaching materials, but also on topics such as curricula and pedagogical practices). These two paths have developed side by side, mainly separate but occasionally intersecting and enriching each other. Thus, my research can be described as broadly linguistic, with a basis in both sociolinguistics and education. I have always regarded the connection between language and society as central: language reflects politics and power, while education transmits these, along with the ideas and representations surrounding these processes.

In my research, I explore questions related to language and nationalism, borders and identity, and I have studied how these elements are reflected in inscriptions on cemeteries and gravestones in France, particularly in the border region of Alsace. I have also investigated perceptions and stereotypes of France as they appear, for instance, in French teaching materials. Currently, I am investigating how language, food, and gastronomy interact within tourism and are used for regional identity formation in Alsace.

Academic assignments

In recent years, I have been Head of department (2018–2024), Deputy Head of Department (2012–2018) and Head of education (2012–2018) for all the department's subjects and programs. Before that, I was director of studies.

I have also had review assignments for other educations within the university and I was responsible for reviews of the department's own educations. During my time as Head of department, I have also been responsible for reviews of the department's research and postgraduate education.

Teaching

Over the years I have taught many different courses in the subject of French, from grammar and linguistics, phonetics and translation to culture and society, text and oral language skills. I have also taught and supervised both within the subject and within various programs, such as the Translation Program and Language and Intercultural Communication, both at advanced level.

In postgraduate education, I am currently supervising two doctoral students.