Research

The questions I investigate in my research include:

• Recent language change: How has the English language changed in the recent past and how is it likely to change in the near future? Who are the most innovative or progressive speakers in ongoing language change and why are these particular groups the most progressive? Does English change in similar ways in different places around the world?

• How does English vary structurally across age and gender groups?

• How does the context of the use of English and the structure of local varieties of English vary around the world?

• What consequences does the increasing use of English in many countries around the world have in terms of language attitudes?

      Examples: Survey on attitudes to English in Hong Kong, China and Israel

• How is English learnt by speakers of diverse first languages and what structures of the English language are particularly easy or hard to learn?

• How is public discourse on sensitive topics structured and how does it affect real-world outcomes? (e.g. during the COVID-19 pandemic)

• If you would like to work with me, consider applying for a postdoc fellowship