Research

As a theoretical linguist by training, my research interests are in natural language meaning as a product of its structure and its context of use. Within this research program, I am particularly interested in exploring how detailed empirical description and precise theoretical analysis of language data can inform and enhance each other. My publications over the past two decades, most of which are accessible via Google Scholar, address a wide variety of topics in Chinese linguistics, including expressive elements, degree and comparison, questions and question words, as well as modal auxiliaries and temporal interpretation.   

My ongoing research projects focus on two relatively understudied areas in Chinese linguistics. The first explores the interaction of modality with other categories of grammar in Chinese (e.g., time and comparison). The second project seeks to bridge the gap between semantics and sociolinguistics in varieties of Chinese as a global language. Additionally, I am participating in an international collaborative project on the history of Chinese grammar research. 

My research has been recognized and supported by International Association of Chinese Linguistics, Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange, OSU College of Arts and Sciences, and OSU Global Arts + Humanities Discovery Theme. 

Teaching and Advising

I enjoy teaching and advising undergraduate and graduate students. My primary teaching responsibilities include introductory and advanced courses in Chinese linguistics at both levels. Within our Chinese Linguistics graduate program, the concentration courses I regularly offer include “Bilingualism in the Chinese Contexts,” “Chinese Syntax,” “Chinese Semantics,” and “Chinese Historical Syntax.” I also teach several undergraduate courses in Chinese linguistics. Beyond linguistics, I teach General Education courses on traditional and contemporary Chinese culture. 

Prospective graduate students (master's and doctoral) whose research interests overlap with mine are encouraged to contact me to discuss research opportunities.