About The Centre for Research on Linguistics and Language Studies (CRLLS)

Background

Established in November 2016, the Centre for Research on Linguistics and Language Studies (CRLLS) was created during a pivotal transition for The Education University of Hong Kong, as it evolved into a multidisciplinary and research-strong institution. CRLLS was conceived to support this transformation by advancing research in linguistics and language studies, fostering innovative methodologies and technologies for language learning and teaching, synergizing research efforts locally, and promoting international collaboration.

Since its inception, CRLLS has focused on key areas including corpus linguistics, language technology, language learning and acquisition, and language in society. In May 2024, under new leadership, these themes were consolidated into two strategic foci:

• Corpus Linguistics for Language Acquisition: Applying corpus linguistic methods to investigate cognitive and functional aspects of language learning, language assessment, and their applications in teaching.
• Language Resource Development for Positive Societal Impact: Leveraging digital technology to address social, educational, and psychological issues relevant to Hong Kong.

Vision & Mission

Vision: The vision of CRLLS is to be the leading centre in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area for corpora and language resources, serving as the primary hub for linguistically informed technological and research development in the region.

Mission: CRLLS’s mission is to provide the research infrastructure and day-to-day support necessary for cutting-edge work in linguistics and language studies. This is achieved through the proactive development of resources and tools, and by forging partnerships to modernize and advance research and knowledge transfer.

Achievements and Competitiveness

CRLLS’s competitiveness is evident through its impactful research and knowledge transfer initiatives. In corpus linguistics, the centre has led the development of emerging tools, such as DOLD, a data collection tool for psycholinguistic experiments and fieldwork, and TypeDuck, a SCOLAR-funded Chinese-learning onscreen keyboard that has generated lasting impact both locally and overseas in Cantonese teaching. CRLLS is also locally strong due to its unique repository of Hong Kong-specific language data and fieldwork resources, including datasets for endangered languages and text-to-speech engines for indigenous languages.

Objectives

Short-term Objectives:

• Promoting data-driven learning (DDL) pedagogy to language teachers.
• Maintaining and enhancing tools that support Chinese learning for NCS students in Hong Kong and heritage speakers overseas.
• Continuing the development of resources for corpus linguistics and language acquisition.
• Documenting endangered languages and developing technology for their preservation.
• Analysing news and counselling data to address mental health issues.

Long-term Objectives:

• Expanding the centre’s portfolio to encompass broader societal needs beyond education.
• Sustaining international collaborations and enhancing the centre’s global research profile.
• Ensuring the ongoing societal relevance and impact of CRLLS’s research outputs.

Changes and Future Development

In response to rapid technological changes, particularly the rise of Generative AI, CRLLS has adapted its strategies and objectives. The centre is moving beyond closed, proprietary datasets towards more open and scalable approaches. CRLLS is also diversifying its research portfolio, shifting from an exclusively education-centred focus to one that addresses a wider array of social needs. This includes expanding initiatives in language endangerment and mental health, and developing tools and resources that are adaptable to the evolving technological landscape.