Greetings From Your Instructor

I'm Dr. Jamie A. Thomas, and I will be your instructor for Second Language Acquisition!

We have a lot to look forward to this semester! 🥳 I'm excited to guide you through the field of second language acquisition (SLA). Study of SLA--in the learning of Swahili--is what initially inspired me to become a linguist!

My research is anchored in examinations of language learning and identity across instructed and naturalistic contexts. All of this experience informs my approach to teaching on this subject. 

• I have explored the learning of Swahili in Mexico, Tanzania, and the U.S. (the subject of my forthcoming book Zombies Speak Swahili). 

• Through an extended stay in Jordan, I explored race and gender in the learning of Arabic.  

• I also previously taught English as a second language (ESL) in Malaysia, through the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) program. 

In our time together, I pledge to bring you content that: 

• is affordable and low-cost,

• encourages interpersonal learning and creativity, 

• expands our understanding of how language works, and

• provides examples of how linguists can contribute to equity and fairness.

Looking forward to exploring SLA with you!

Sincerely, 

Dr. Thomas

(pronouns: she/they)