John Battenburg

John Battenburg is a Professor and Director of the TESOL Certificate Program at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), where he also serves as Linguistics Minor Advisor and English Major Advisor. He previously held roles as Head of the English Department at the American University of Sharjah (UAE) and Director of International Education and Programs at Cal Poly. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in English Linguistics and Early American Literature from Purdue University (1989), an M.A. in Linguistics and TESL from Ohio University (1984), and a B.A. in English and French from Andrews University (1982).

His research focuses on General and Applied Linguistics, 17th to 19th Century American Literature, and sociolinguistic dynamics in North African and Middle Eastern contexts. Notable projects include studies on language endangerment (e.g., Kumzari in Oman), language policy in Tunisia, and the evolution of English monolingual learners' dictionaries. He has conducted extensive fieldwork through three Fulbright grants in Morocco and Tunisia, alongside roles as a US AID Consultant in Costa Rica and a US State Department Academic Specialist in multiple countries.

His publications span journals like Language Problems and Language Planning and World Englishes, with a monograph English Monolingual Learners' Dictionaries: A User-Oriented Study. His work bridges theoretical linguistics with practical applications in education and cross-cultural communication.

• Scientific Awards: 3 Fulbright Grants (Morocco/Tunisia)

His advising and grant activities reflect a commitment to international education and interdisciplinary collaboration. Past roles include leadership in academic program development and international outreach.