Adam Singerman

Adam Singerman is an Assistant Professor in Native American Linguistics at Syracuse University's Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (College of Arts & Sciences). His research focuses on the morphosyntax and historical linguistics of Tuparí, a critically endangered Tupían language of the Brazilian Amazon. Supported by NSF, NEH, and Jacobs Research Funds, his work combines theoretical linguistic analysis with community-driven documentation efforts. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (2018) and has advised grants totaling over $500,000.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Chicago (2018)
• M.A. in Linguistics, University of Chicago (2014)
• B.A. in Linguistics & Latin American Languages, Harvard College (2009)

Research Interests: Singerman investigates how Tuparí grammar interacts with broader linguistic typology while addressing urgent questions in language endangerment. His work bridges morphological theory, historical reconstruction, and sociolinguistic challenges faced by Amazonian communities. Recent projects emphasize collaborative narrative collection and pedagogical approaches to linguistic preservation.

Awards: Recipient of the prestigious Mary Haas Award (SSILA, 2020) recognizing outstanding contributions to Indigenous language research.

Teaching & Service: Teaches courses on Indigenous languages, historical linguistics, and field methods. Serves as faculty advisor for Boren/Fulbright programs and editor for Boletim do Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi. Active in professional service roles including reviewer for Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Linguistics and multiple Amazonian linguistics journals.