Matthew T. Prior

Matthew T. Prior is a Professor in the Department of English at Arizona State University (ASU), serving as Director of the Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL programs. He holds an affiliated appointment with the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Prior earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Second Language Acquisition from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and degrees in Speech and Hearing Sciences (B.S.) and Music (B.A.).

His research focuses on language and emotion in multilingual contexts, employing discourse analytic approaches such as conversation analysis and narrative analysis. He explores socio-psychological dimensions of language learning, identity construction, and well-being. His work has been published in journals like Applied Linguistics and TESOL Quarterly, and he authored Emotion and Discourse in L2 Narrative Research and co-edited volumes on second language acquisition and discourse analysis.

Prior is an Associate Editor of TESOL Quarterly and previously led editorial roles at Language Learning & Technology and Applied Linguistics. He actively contributes to professional organizations like the American Association for Applied Linguistics.

His teaching emphasizes qualitative research methods, TESOL, and professional development, guided by principles of lifelong learning and inclusive practices. He received the Zebulon Pearce Distinguished Teaching Award (2015) for his pedagogical excellence.