Dr Marc Olivier-Loiseau

Academic linguist

I am a Lecturer in Linguistics based at the University of Oxford, UK.

My research lies at the intersection of formal syntax and historical linguistics, with a focus on Old French and Old Occitan. I am particularly interested in clitics, clause size, infinitives, Restructuring and related transparency effects.

Prior to my current post, I held research and teaching positions at Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. I have a PhD in Linguistics, with specialisation in historical syntax. In 2023, I was awarded a Seal of Excellence by the European Commission in recognition of the quality of my research. I currently sit on the Executive Committee of Societas Linguistica Europaea, the largest linguistics society in Europe.

Where to meet me:

I will be giving a talk at the Historical Syntax Seminar in Oxford on 1st May.
I am organising the Occitan Studies Day, to be held at the University of Oxford on 11th May. If you're an occitanist, or simply curious, please join!
With Afra Pujol i Campeny, I am organising the 2025 edition of DiGS, to take place at Trinity College, Oxford.

Miscellaneous:

I am co-convener for the Occitan Reading Group, which meets weekly. We read and translate Old and Modern Occitan texts. If you're in Oxford, you're very welcome to join! You don't need to have any prior knowledge of Occitan (though being familiar with a Romance language is recommended).