Liang Tao

Liang Tao is a Professor of Linguistics and the Chinese Coordinator at the College of Arts and Sciences, Ohio University. He is affiliated with the Department of Linguistics and contributes significantly to the fields of Chinese linguistics, discourse analysis, and psycholinguistics.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Colorado, Boulder, 1993
• Cognitive Science Certificate, Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, 1993

Liang Tao’s research focuses on interactional linguistics and discourse analysis of Mandarin Chinese, with an emphasis on usage-based models of language and grammaticalization. His work explores second language learning, particularly the cognitive mechanisms of memory and their pedagogical implications. He investigates the grammar of Chinese and English, psycholinguistic processing, and the interplay between language, culture, and cognition. His recent publications highlight self-repair in conversation, tone perception, and metalinguistic awareness in language learners.

The 15 most recent articles reflect a strong trend in discourse processing, particularly in Mandarin Chinese conversation, with subfields including self-repair, tone perception, usage-based change, and bilingual processing. Keywords span psycholinguistics, cognitive science, and language acquisition, indicating an interdisciplinary approach grounded in empirical and theoretical linguistics.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, Psychonomic Society

Liang Tao has been involved in research grants, including serving as Principal Investigator on the Ohio University 1804 Grant for improving pronunciation in Chinese learners using speech recognition strategies. He has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Chao-Yang Lee, Alice F. Healy, and Zinny Bond on projects related to speech perception and cognitive processing. Though a grant proposal to the US Department of Education was denied, his ongoing research activity is evident through regular presentations at national and international conferences.

While no specific lab or research team is named, his frequent collaborations and focus on experimental psycholinguistics suggest an active research group or network, particularly in speech processing and second language acquisition at Ohio University.