Research

Highlight

I specialize in linguistics and second language (L2) acquisition, primarily focusing on Mandarin Chinese and occasionally other languages. My research has explored L2 segment acquisition (semivowels in English, Chinese, and Japanese), L2 suprasegment acquisition (tone and intonation in Chinese), and L2 lexical development.

Training

I have received training in theoretical and applied linguistics, language acquisition, psycholinguistics, as well as in research and statistical methods.

Here is a list of my publications and conference presentations:

Publications

Zhou, W., & Chan, M. K.M. (under revision). Chinese Language Acquisition. Routledge Resources Online - Chinese Studies. London, UK: Routledge. 


Zhou, W. (2023). Perception of Chinese intonation by native and second language speakers. In C. Lin, A. Cheriei, & B. Chen (Eds.), Proceedings of the 34th North American Conference on Chinese Linguistics. Indiana University. 


Zhou, W., Nakayama, M., Chan, M. K.M., & Xie, Z. (Eds.). (2023). Buckeye East Asian Linguistics (Vol. 7). The Ohio State University.


Zhou, W., & Nakayama, M. (2023). Perception of English semivowels by Japanese L2 English listeners. In Y. Ono & M. Shimada (Eds.) Data science in collaboration 6 (pp. 48-57). Tsukuba, Japan: Media JOHO., Ltd.


Zhou, W. (2022). Identifying Mandarin tones with intonation is difficult for L2 learners, regardless of their experience. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Tone and Intonation. 205-208. International Speech Communication Association.


Zhou, W., Bundschuh, J., Nakayama, M., & Xie, Z. (Eds.). (2021). Buckeye East Asian Linguistics (Vol. 5). The Ohio State University.


Zhu, Y., Gomes, S. E., Ruan, J., Wang, Q., Yang, S.-J., Ye, J., & Zhou, W. (Eds.). (2019). Proceedings of the 30th North American Conference on Chinese Linguistics. The Ohio State University.


Zhou, W. (2019). Mandarin -guo under control: An experimental study. (Publication No. 27809655) [Master’s Thesis, West Virginia University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Conference Presentations

2024

Zhou, W. Processing Chinese monosyllabic words: Insights from The Chinese Lexicon Project. The 36th North American Conference on Chinese Linguistics (NACCL 36). Claremont, CA.


Zhou, W. Influence of intonation strength on L2 speakers’ perception of Chinese lexical tones. The American Association for Applied Linguistics Annual Conference (AAAL 2024). Houston, TX.


2023

Zhou, W. Phonetic variations of semivowels and their implications for Chinese as a foreign language teaching. The 5th Harvard International Conference on Chinese Pedagogy (Harvard ICCP). Harvard University. Cambridge, MA.


Zhou, W. Learners’ perception of intonation-overlaid tones in Mandarin Chinese. The Chinese Language Teachers Association Annual Conference (CLTA 2023). Washington, D.C.


Chan, M. K.M. & Zhou, W. The zero initial in Chinese: Implications for CFL teachers. The Chinese Language Teachers Association Annual Conference (CLTA 2023). Washington, D.C.


Zhou, W. The role of L1 phonology in the acquisition of L2 approximants. The American Association for Applied Linguistics Annual Conference (AAAL 2023). Portland, OR


Zhou, W. & Nakayama, M. Perception of English semivowels by Japanese L2 English listeners. Linguistics and Data Science in Collaboration 6 (DaSiC 6). University of Tsukuba. Tsukuba, Japan


2022

Zhou, W. Perception of Chinese intonation by native and second language speakers. The 34th North American Conference on Chinese Linguistics (NACCL 34). Indiana University. Bloomington, IN


Zhou, W. Teaching and learning of Mandarin Chinese tones: An evidence-based guide. The Ohio Foreign Language Association Annual Conference (OFLA 2022). Dublin, OH


Zhou, W. A quantitative report on student perception of in-person and virtual instruction in a first-year Mandarin course. The Chinese Language Teachers Association Annual Conference (CLTA 2022). University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame, IN


Zhou, W. Examining the perception of /j/ and /w/ by Mandarin-speaking L2 learners of English. The American Association for Applied Linguistics Annual Conference (AAAL 2022). Pittsburgh, PA


2021

Zhou, W. Identifying Mandarin tones with intonation is difficult for L2 learners, regardless of their experience. The 1st International Conference on Tone and Intonation (TAI 1). University of Southern Denmark. Sønderborg, Denmark


Zhou, W. Form and function: Linguistic performance on the cuteness of sajiao. [Panel presentation] The 70th Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs (MCAA 70). Indiana University. Bloomington, IN


Zhou, W. On the status of a tone merger in Dalian Mandarin. Buckeye East Asian Linguistics Forum 4 (BEAL 4). The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH


Zhou, W. Effect of intonation on Mandarin tone identification by American learners. The 4th Graduate Student Symposium for Foreign Language Research and Teaching. The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH


2020

Zhou, W. Reduplication in sajiao: To be twice as cute in the Chinese culture of cuteness. The 34th Hayes Graduate Research Forum. The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH


2018

Zhou, W. Temporal construal symmetry/asymmetry of bare predicates in Chinese root and complement clauses. The 3rd Buckeye East Asian Linguistics Forum (BEAL 3). The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH


2017

Zhou, W. Issues in Content-Based Instruction Implementation in an Under-Resourced Environment. The 10th Annual Second Language Acquisition Graduate Student Symposium. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Minneapolis, MN