ZhaoHong Han

ZhaoHong Han is a Professor of Language and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Director of the Center for International Foreign Language Teacher Education (CIFLTE). Her research focuses on second language acquisition (SLA), systems thinking, and the integration of AI into language education. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Birkbeck College, University of London, and has authored over 100 scholarly publications.

• Key Affiliations: Teachers College, Columbia University
• Expertise: SLA theory, language teacher education, crosslinguistic influence, and AI applications

Research Interests

Dr. Han explores foundational SLA concepts like fossilization, ultimate attainment, and the critical period hypothesis through complex dynamic systems theory. She investigates how AI can transform language learning, emphasizing ethical use of generative models like ChatGPT. Her work bridges theory and practice through teacher training and classroom-based research in diverse contexts like Tunisian EFL education.

Publications

Her recent work addresses AI's role in SLA (2025), social physics in language development (2024), and critical age-attainment relationships (2023). She frequently critiques methodological limitations in SLA research while advocating for interdisciplinary approaches.

Center for International Foreign Language Teacher Education

As director, she leads global initiatives to improve language teacher training through evidence-based practices and cross-cultural collaboration.