Linguistics | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF Linguistics Program funding opportunity?

The NSF Linguistics Program (Funding Opportunity Number PD 98 1311) is a National Science Foundation grant opportunity that supports basic, non-clinical research on human language. The program is centered on advancing scientific understanding of the grammatical properties of individual languages and the general properties of natural language.

What kinds of research topics are a good fit for this program?

The program typically supports fundamental linguistics research in areas such as syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics, and phonology. The emphasis is on work that contributes to core theory and evidence about language rather than projects aimed at applied classroom outcomes or clinical results.

Is this opportunity intended for applied language teaching or classroom-focused projects?

No. The program does not support the development or evaluation of pedagogical methods or instructional tools for language teaching. Proposals that focus primarily on classroom curriculum, teaching methods, or assessment are outside the intended scope.

Does the program fund clinical or health-related language research?

No. The program does not fund clinical research projects. Proposals aimed primarily at therapy, diagnosis, clinical interventions, or other clinical outcomes are not supported under this opportunity.

What is the program's main scientific focus?

The core focus is on fundamental scientific questions about language, especially the grammatical properties of individual languages and the general properties of natural language. The announcement highlights support for research that strengthens theory, methods, and empirical coverage.

Does NSF encourage interdisciplinary linguistics research under this program?

Yes. A defining feature of the program is encouragement of interdisciplinary work, particularly projects that connect linguistics with neighboring fields in ways that sharpen linguistic theory, improve methods, or expand empirical coverage, while remaining centered on fundamental questions about language.

What examples of interdisciplinary questions does the announcement highlight?

The announcement highlights cross-cutting questions such as how language is produced, perceived, and comprehended; what computational properties of language and processing enable fluent production, incremental understanding, and rapid learning; how acoustic and physiological characteristics of speech can inform linguistic theory and models of processing; how human neurobiology constrains linguistic capacities; how language develops in children; and how social and cultural forces drive variation and language change.

Which neighboring fields are mentioned as relevant for interdisciplinary approaches?

The opportunity explicitly mentions integration with fields such as cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, speech science, anthropology, and related disciplines, as long as the project remains focused on fundamental questions about language.

What types of proposals does the NSF Linguistics Program accept?

NSF indicates it will consider multiple project types, including standard research proposals, Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (DDRI) proposals, and CAREER proposals. The program also notes openness to proposals for workshops, conferences, and training activities.

Who is this program relevant to (career stage)?

Based on the proposal types listed, the program is relevant to investigators submitting standard research proposals (generally from investigators with a PhD or equivalent), doctoral researchers seeking dissertation-focused support via DDRI, and early-career faculty interested in CAREER proposals that integrate research and education.

Are workshops, conferences, or training activities eligible for support?

Yes. The program notes openness to proposals for workshops, conferences, and training activities, which may support community-building, dissemination of methods, or the advancement of emerging interdisciplinary areas connected to fundamental linguistics research.

Where in NSF is this program located (portfolio/CFDA)?

The opportunity sits within NSF's Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences portfolio and is associated with CFDA 47.075.

What grant mechanism does it use, and is cost-sharing required?

The announcement states that it uses the standard NSF grant mechanism and that there is no cost-sharing requirement.

What is the estimated total funding listed for this opportunity?

The estimated total funding listed in the opportunity is $6,000,000.

When was this opportunity posted, and does it have recurring proposal dates?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary and was posted on March 6, 2009 (with later record updates). It lists recurring full proposal target dates of January 15 and July 15 each year.

What is the eligibility for applicants?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications NSF may provide in associated eligibility language.

Where can applicants get help with accessing the announcement or submission links?

NSF directs users who need help accessing the announcement or navigating submission links to Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

How does the program distinguish "basic" linguistics research from excluded topics?

Based on the description provided, the program supports research aimed at fundamental understanding of language (theory, methods, and empirical evidence across linguistic domains). It excludes projects aimed primarily at clinical outcomes (therapy/diagnosis/interventions) or pedagogical outcomes (instructional tools, teaching methods, curriculum, or assessment).

Can computational or speech science approaches be part of a proposal?

Yes, if they are used to address fundamental questions about language. The announcement explicitly references computational properties of language and processing, and also highlights how acoustic and physiological characteristics of speech can inform linguistic theory and models of processing.