Betsy Rymes

Betsy Rymes is a Professor and Chair of the Educational Linguistics Division at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education (GSE). Her work focuses on sociolinguistics, language education, and communicative repertoires, emphasizing critical discourse analysis and community-engaged research. Rymes is known for pioneering the concept of 'Citizen Sociolinguistics,' which empowers non-academics to analyze language in everyday contexts. She holds a leadership role in advancing interdisciplinary approaches to linguistic diversity and equity in education.

Her research interests include language ideologies, digital media's role in sociolinguistic practices, and the intersection of multilingualism with education policy. Rymes has extensively explored how marginalized communities negotiate linguistic identity through storytelling and participatory methodologies. Her work bridges academic scholarship with public advocacy, particularly in addressing raciolinguistic bias and promoting inclusive pedagogical practices.

Rymes' publications from 2020–2024 highlight trends in digital sociolinguistics, institutional discourse analysis, and participatory research frameworks. Key themes include the social value of accent, online language judgments, and translanguaging in multilingual contexts. These studies underscore her commitment to methodologies that democratize linguistic knowledge while addressing systemic inequities in education and media.

As an educator, Rymes advises graduate students in sociolinguistics and education, focusing on preparing scholars to apply critical linguistic perspectives to real-world issues. Her academic profile reflects over three decades of contributions to linguistic anthropology, teacher education, and applied linguistics, positioning her as a leading voice in reimagining language education in diverse societies.