#international
Our Guest: Anna Krulatz
LFUI Guest Professorship
April - June 2026
Home university / Country
Norwegian University of Science and Technology / Norway
Position
Professor of English
Research areas
Applied linguistics, Multilingualism, Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Guest of
Eva Hirzinger-Unterrainer
Department/Unit
Department of subject-specific Education
Guest lectures
"Dominant Language Constellation as an Approach to Language Teacher Identity Development"
01.06.2026, 17:15, HS 5, ground floor, Geiwi (Campus Innrain), Innrain 52e, Innsbruck
"While governed by syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic rules, language also offers virtually limitless possibilities for expression and creativity. This interplay between structure and discovery is what drives me in my work."
Trondheim (Norway) vs. Innsbruck – A Personal Perspective
My academic home is the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, where I greatly value the strong sense of academic freedom, the supportive environment, and the generous opportunities for professional development. Life in Trondheim also offers exceptional access to nature – cross-country skiing, time at my cabin, and the quiet rhythm of outdoor life are an integral part of my routine. Coming to Innsbruck brings a kind of reverse culture shock: I am struck by how vibrant and socially dynamic the city is. People smile, greet one another, and engage more spontaneously in everyday interactions. I am sincerely grateful to the University of Innsbruck for the generous support of my two-month stay as a visiting professor at the Institut für Fachdidaktik, and I very much enjoy experiencing this different, yet equally inspiring, academic and cultural environment.
Innsbruck – City and Inspiration
Innsbruck is one of “my” cities and holds a special place in my heart. I have collaborated for many years with colleagues at the University of Innsbruck and have close friends in the city and surrounding region. My connection began with an invitation from Prof. Emeritus Wolfgang Stadler, with whom I share an interest in interlanguage pragmatics in Russian. Since then, I have worked closely with colleagues from the Institut für Fachdidaktik, including Prof. Dr. Eva Hirzinger-Unterreiner, Prof. Suzanne Kapelari, and Dr. Jasmin Peskoller. What I value most is the university’s open, collegial atmosphere, the city’s vibrant multilingual and multicultural character, and of course the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Personal Insights – What Drives Me
I have always been a high achiever and thrive in environments that combine structure with intellectual freedom. This is what drew me to academia and applied linguistics. Universities, and science more broadly, offer clearly defined frameworks, while at the same time enabling curiosity, creativity, and the pursuit of new knowledge. I find working within established systems while continuously exploring new questions and perspectives deeply motivating. I am an applied linguist, and I can’t resist noticing that a similar dynamic exists in language itself. While governed by syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic rules, language also offers virtually limitless possibilities for expression and creativity. This interplay between structure and discovery is what drives me in my work.
Teaching and Mentoring – Responsibility and Encouragement
Many people assume that a university professor’s work consists mainly of teaching and research. While these are central, I find mentoring even more important and inspiring. I have been fortunate to learn from outstanding mentors throughout my career, including Prof. Jane Hacking, Prof. MaryAnn Christison, and Prof. Larissa Aronin, and I strive to give back through my own mentoring. For me, mentoring is an enduring, reciprocal relationship in which a more experienced scholar supports and guides others in developing their knowledge, research skills, and professional identity. At the same time, it is a process of mutual learning and growth. Creating such supportive and intellectually engaging relationships is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.
Personal Insights – Work and Life Balance
I find my work highly motivating and rewarding, but I also value the importance of stepping back to recharge – not only during vacations, but as part of a daily routine. This is a lesson I learned from my PhD supervisor and mentor at the University of Utah, Prof. Jane Hacking, and one I aim to pass on to my students and mentees. For me, the best way to reset is to spend time outdoors, whether walking or hiking in nature with my German Shepherd. This is another reason why I value Innsbruck so much: it offers a unique balance of vibrant city life and immediate access to nature, which I find essential for maintaining energy, focus, and well-being. I hope to see many of you around – on campus, in one of Innsbruck’s cozy cafés, or out on the surrounding mountain trails.