About me

I am currently a lecturer in the English Department at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). I earned my Ph.D. and M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Arizona, where I worked under the advisement of Robert Henderson. I also hold a B.A. in Spanish Linguistics with a minor in English Language and Linguistics from CSUDH.

My research focuses on documenting and revitalizing endangered and minoritized languages, with particular attention to the Zapotec languages of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico. I am especially interested in the intersection of descriptive linguistics, archival research, and community language work. My research engages questions in morphology, phonology, phonetics, morphosyntax, language documentation, and the historical development of Oto-Manguean languages.

A central part of my work involves bringing together contemporary linguistic data, archival materials, and community-based fieldwork. I am interested not only in describing language structure, variation, and change, but also in developing, preserving, and recirculating linguistic materials in forms that can support speakers, learners, teachers, and community members. This includes work on grammatical description, dictionaries, teaching materials, and other accessible resources that contribute to the long-term documentation and revitalization of Zapotec languages.

As an undergraduate at CSUDH, I participated in the Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar and Ronald E. McNair Scholars programs. These opportunities played an important role in my development as a scholar and in my path toward graduate study in linguistics.

My research and teaching have also been shaped by my experiences learning English as a second language, growing up in California with Mexican roots, and engaging with the linguistic diversity of the communities and places that have been part of my life. These experiences continue to inform how I approach research, teaching, and community collaboration.

Visitors are welcome to explore this site to learn more about my research, teaching, academic service, conference presentations, and other professional activities.

Outside of academia, I enjoy cycling, gaming, and photography.

Contact: jgonzalez543[@]csudh.edu