Introduction to Linguistics

The Scientific Study of Language

The following pages are based on notes from my undergraduate courses if you’d like an introduction to linguistics:

• What is Linguistics?
• What is Morphology?
• What is Syntax?
• What is Phonetics?
• What is Phonology?
• What is Semantics?
• What is Pragmatics?
• What is Neurolinguistics?
• What is Sociolinguistics?
• What is Language Acquisition?
• What is Historical Linguistics?
• Classification of Languages
• Linguistics Bibliography

Linguistics encompasses many fields related to language in general, but my major concentrations are in second language acquisition (SLA) and language pedagogy. I received my Bachelor’s degree in French & Linguistics in 2004 and my Master’s degree in Linguistics & Teaching English as a Second Language in 2007. I was officially awarded my PhD in Applied Linguistics in December 2015.

My major research interests are related to the role textbooks play in language teaching and learning, including the use of (or lack of) realia and informal language, as well as the teaching of vocabulary with regards to frequency and corpora and the importance of listening comprehension for learning vocabulary. I’m also interested in the role technology plays in language learning, especially computer-assisted language learning (CALL) that allows for more audio-visual input than the regular classroom.

I will be updating this section with more information on Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, and Language Pedagogy in the future. Also make sure to check out the Teaching English articles for information on teaching English as a second language as well as English grammar and the history of English.