Particulars of PIN-SLAB
Name: Pat Ikechukwu Ndukwe Sociolinguistics Lab, UNN
Main Research Focus: Language in Society
Title of Current Research Project Proposal: Language Equality Framework: Advocacy Network for Inclusion of Igbo in Education & Media
Name of the Coordinator: Professor C. U. Agbedo
Research Group Email: pin-slab.rg@unn.edu.ng
UNN email address of the Coordinator: christopher.agbedo@unn.edu.ng
Phone Number of the Coordinator: 08036868498
Base Faculty/Institute/Center: Faculty of Art
Department of the Coordinator: Linguistics, Igbo & Other Nigerian Languages
About PIN-SLAB
Introduction
The Pat Ikechukwu Ndukwe Sociolinguistics Laboratory (PIN-SLAB) seeks to be a Research Group (RG) comprising scholars, senior academics, and language researchers at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The RG aims to advance research and scholarship in sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, linguistic diversity, and cultural studies. It strives to advance collaborative research in the study of language in society; serve as a hub for scholars and students interested in social orientation of linguistic analyses; mentor undergraduate, postgraduate students, and upcoming academics in best practices in research, teaching, and outreach; educate the public about critical linguistics, multilingual matters, language and identity construction, etc.
Mission and Objectives
Mission
The PIN-SLAB is committed to creating and deepening knowledge in linguistic, literary, and cultural researches, with a focus on African and Nigerian languages, particularly Igbo and English in Nigeria.
Key Objectives
- Advance sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic research through empirical studies, methodological, and theoretical explorations;
- Promote language documentation, digital preservation, and revitalization of endangered African languages;
- Conduct interdisciplinary research on language, culture, and identity in Nigeria and beyond;
- Develop research collaborations with national and international institutions, NGOs, and policymakers;
- Engage in advocacy for linguistic rights and multilingual education policies;
- Support postgraduate training and mentorship for emerging scholars in sociolinguistics and related fields;
- Leverage digital innovations (AI, corpus linguistics, language technologies) for language preservation and development;
- Publish high-quality research in reputable journals, books, and digital platforms.
Research Focus Areas
PIN-SLAB will undertake research in the following thematic areas – Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics, Language and Identity, Multilingualism and Language Policy, Language Endangerment and Revitalization, Discourse Analysis and Critical Linguistics, Igbo Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies, Digital Humanities and AI-based Language Research, Translation and Intercultural Communication.
Research Leadership & Membership
PIN-SLAB, coordinated by Dr. Chris Uchenna Agbedo, a professor of sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics, will include senior academics in linguistics, literature, cultural studies, and language technology; emerging scholars and postgraduate students conducting research in related fields; collaborators from national and international research institutions.
Proposed Research Activities & Collaboration
(i) Establishment of an Igbo Language & Culture Digital Archive
(ii) Digitization of Igbo oral traditions, proverbs, and historical narratives.
(iii) Development of AI-based Igbo speech recognition tools.
(iv) Language & Policy Research for Multilingual Education
(v) Sociolinguistic Fieldwork & Language Documentation
(vi) Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences
(vii) Inter-disciplinary Partnerships and Collaborations
Alignment with UNN’s Research Goals
PIN-SLAB aligns with UNN’s vision as a leading research university by promoting cutting-edge research in African linguistic, literary, and cultural studies; strengthening multidisciplinary collaborations across humanities, social sciences, and technology; contributing to Nigeria’s national development through research-informed policies; expanding UNN’s global research footprint through international engagements.
Funding & Sustainability
PIN-SLAB will secure funding through international research grants (AU, EU, UNESCO, Horizon Europe, etc.); University research funds and endowments; private sector partnerships for language technology development; revenue from training programmes and publications.
The Pat Ikechukwu Ndukwe Sociolinguistics Lab (PIN-SLAB), UNN seeks to be a leading research hub for linguistic, literary, and cultural studies in Nigeria and beyond. By leveraging academic expertise, digital innovation, and international partnerships, it will significantly contribute to linguistic scholarship and policy advocacy.