Mai Ha Vu is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga , split between the Department of Language Studies and the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics . Her work bridges theoretical linguistics, computational methods, and biological data modeling. Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Delaware (2020) M.A. in Linguistics, University of Delaware (2014) B.A. in Psychology and Linguistics, Grinnell College (2013) Research focuses on applying formal language theory to understand human language patterns and train biologically reliable language models . Recent work includes antibody language modeling (Nature Computational Sciences 2022) and syntax-prosody mapping via logical transductions (SIGMORPHON 2022). Key research trends in publications: interdisciplinary applications of computational linguistics to immunology, psycholinguistic modeling of neural language models, and formal syntactic analysis of negation and wh-questions across languages.
Dr. Alan Bale is a Professor in the Department of Classics, Modern Languages and Linguistics at Concordia University, specializing in semantics and syntax-semantics interfaces. His work integrates generative linguistics frameworks with experimental methods to explore grammatical representations of meaning, particularly focusing on number, comparison, and scalar competition across languages like Mi’gmaq, English, and Western Armenian. He investigates how conceptual development interacts with linguistic structures through both linguistic and non-linguistic meaning analysis. His research emphasizes teasing apart contributions from pure semantics, psychological categories, and pragmatic reasoning. Key topics include the mass-count distinction, scalar implicature, and experimental methodologies. He maintains a website and has published extensively on topics ranging from linguistic pragmatics to formal syntax. His CV provides additional details on his academic contributions. Bale's publications (2020–2025) reflect a sustained focus on scalar implicature mechanisms, mass-count distinctions, and cross-linguistic syntax-semantics interactions. Recent work explores how online experimental methods and cognitive load influence pragmatic reasoning. His research bridges formal linguistic theory with empirical cognitive science approaches.
Rainier Grutman is a Full Professor of French and Translation Studies at the University of Ottawa, holding a cross-appointment in the Department of French and the School of Translation & Interpretation within the Faculty of Arts. Trained in Romance philology and Comparative Literature at Namur, Leuven, and Madrid universities, he completed his Ph.D. in French Studies at the University of Montreal in 1994. In 2022, he was elected to the prestigious Academy of Europe (Academia Europaea), class of 'Humanities,' section 'Literary and Theatrical Studies.' His educational background includes: Ph.D. in French Studies from Université de Montréal (1994) Romance and Hispanic philology from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1989) M. Phil. in French and Romance Literatures from KU Leuven (1988) Teacher certification for upper-level high school from KU Leuven (1988) B. Phil. in French and Romance Literatures from Université de Namur (1986) Grutman's research primarily focuses on multilingualism in literature, self-translation, and translation studies, with particular attention to bilingual writers and multilingual texts. His work spans comparative literature, sociolinguistics, and postcolonial theory, examining how language functions within literary contexts across different cultural settings including Belgium, Canada, Spain, and Italy. He has made significant contributions to understanding how writers navigate multiple languages in their creative work and how these multilingual texts are translated and received by diverse audiences. His scholarly output reveals a consistent focus on self-translation as both a literary phenomenon and cultural practice. His research demonstrates how self-translation functions as a negotiation between languages and cultures, often revealing power dynamics between linguistic communities. Grutman's work frequently examines the intersection of language, identity, and power in literary contexts, with particular attention to how writers position themselves within multilingual frameworks. His most recent publications (2020-2024) continue this trajectory with studies on code-switching in literature, multilingual readership, and transatlantic self-translation practices. His major scholarly recognitions include: Gabrielle-Roy prize for Canadian literary criticism (for 'Des langues qui résonnent') Election to the Academy of Europe (Academia Europaea) in 2022 Grutman has supervised numerous graduate students and collaborated extensively with scholars internationally. His work has been supported by various research grants that have enabled him to explore multilingual writing across different cultural contexts. He has edited special journal issues and co-authored significant reference works in translation studies, including the French version of H. Van Gorp's 'Lexicon van literaire termen' and the comprehensive 'Histoire de la littérature belge.' His teaching at the University of Ottawa includes advanced courses on literary poetics, intertextuality, sociocriticism, and comparative literature with a focus on multilingual writing and self-translation. He maintains active research collaborations with institutions in Belgium, Spain, and Italy, reflecting his international scholarly network and the transnational nature of his research interests in multilingual literature and translation.
Sunil Bhatt is an Associate Professor of Teaching specializing in Hindi-Urdu language instruction within the Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Arts. With a background in Comparative Linguistics and experience teaching South Asian languages across multiple continents, he brings a unique perspective to language education. His research focuses on linguistics, particularly Hindi-Urdu language teaching, sociolinguistics, and language acquisition. He has published extensively on topics including honorifics in Hindi, bilingual situations in India, and the integration of Bollywood culture in language instruction. His work demonstrates a commitment to understanding the complex sociopolitical dimensions of language teaching in South Asian contexts. Bhatt's recent publications reveal a consistent focus on pedagogical approaches to Hindi-Urdu instruction, with emphasis on heritage learners, pandemic-era teaching adaptations, and the relationship between language and cultural identity. His research spans theoretical linguistics, applied language teaching, and sociolinguistic analysis of language communities. As an educator, he teaches foundational and advanced courses including Introductory Hindi-Urdu, Sufi and Bhakti Devotional Literatures, and Introduction to Hindi Film, demonstrating his integration of language instruction with cultural studies. His scholarly contributions extend beyond traditional publications to include textbooks, edited volumes, and digital learning resources that have significantly impacted Hindi-Urdu language pedagogy internationally.
Azita Hojatollah Taleghani is an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream of Linguistics at Language Studies, University of Toronto. She focuses on Persian language, literature, and linguistics, with cross-appointments in the Department of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations. Education: PhD, Linguistics, University of Arizona MA, Linguistics, University of Arizona MA, General Linguistics, Tehran University BA, English Language and Translation, Tehran University Her research spans second-language and heritage speakers' pedagogy, Persian syntax/morphology, stylistic analysis of Persian women poets, and digital language teaching. Her publications explore theoretical linguistics, Persian second language acquisition, and the intersection of poetic techniques with linguistic processes. Key trends in her work include generative approaches to Persian tense structures, the role of archaism in poetry, and comparative studies of linguistic modules. She has contributed extensively to Persian syntax, aspect, and pedagogical frameworks.
Brendan S. Gillon is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics at McGill University, Montreal. His research focuses on semantics, pragmatics, and formal methods in linguistics, with notable contributions to the study of classical Indian logic and Sanskrit grammar. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from MIT (1984) and has taught at MIT, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, and McGill since 1991. His work bridges linguistics and philosophy, addressing topics like the semantics of noun phrases, context sensitivity, and cross-cultural language studies. Education: PhD in Philosophy (MIT, 1984), MA in East Asian Studies (University of Michigan, 1975), MA in Sanskrit/Indian Studies (University of Toronto, 1979) Fellowships: Senior Research Fellow at American Institute of Indian Studies (1986-1987), Numata Fellow at Ryokoku University (2006) Research interests include the semantics-pragmatics distinction, mass-count noun distinctions, and formal methods applied to syntax and semantics. Collaborations include projects on lexical semantics and brain-language interactions. He has advised numerous PhD students on topics ranging from comparative linguistics to historical theories of language. Publications span over 50 articles and edited volumes, including Semantics: A Reader (Oxford UP, 2004) and works on Dharmakīrti’s logic and classical Sanskrit grammar. His lectures have been delivered globally, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections between linguistics, philosophy, and cognitive science.
Will Oxford is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Manitoba. He holds a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Toronto. His research focuses on theoretical and descriptive syntax and morphology, particularly in Algonquian languages, with an emphasis on agreement systems, morphosyntactic alignment, and historical linguistics. He has conducted fieldwork on Innu, Ojibwe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Kapampangan, and Ilocano. He is collaborating on preparing the late David Pentland's Proto-Algonquian dictionary for publication and co-authoring a forthcoming book The Algonquian Inverse (Oxford University Press, 2024). Research interests include direct-inverse systems, agreement hierarchies, grammatical relations, inflectional morphology, language description, and phonology. He has held a SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2016-19) for research on structure and change in Algonquian agreement systems. He teaches at the University of Manitoba and has held an invited teaching position at MIT (2022-23). Key publications include analyses of inverse agreement in Algonquian languages, person hierarchy interactions, and morphological processes like fission and impoverishment. His work spans syntactic theory, historical linguistics, and language documentation, with particular attention to comparative analyses across Algonquian languages.
Dr. Dana Isac is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classics, Modern Languages and Linguistics at Concordia University. Her research focuses on the syntactic and semantic properties of clause types (declaratives, interrogatives, imperatives, and exclamatives), with a strong emphasis on the syntax-semantics and syntax-phonology interfaces. She co-authored the influential monograph I-language: An Introduction to Linguistics as Cognitive Science (Oxford University Press, 2008) and is currently working on a new book, The Morphosyntactic Ingredients of Force . Education: PhD in Linguistics, University of Bucharest (2000) BA in English and French, University of Bucharest (1998) Research Interests: Comparative syntax, syntax-semantics interface, syntax-phonology interface, and cognitive science. Her work bridges formal linguistics with interdisciplinary approaches, particularly in cognitive science.
Charles Reiss is a Professor of Linguistics and Founding Member of the Concordia Centre for Cognitive Science at Concordia University. He holds a PhD in Linguistics from Harvard University (1995), alongside an MA (1989) and BA in Mathematics from Swarthmore College (1985). His research focuses on theoretical phonology, cognitive science, and the philosophical implications of linguistic structures. Reiss is renowned for co-developing 'substance-free phonology' with Mark Hale, emphasizing formal approaches to phonological analysis. His textbooks, such as Phonology: A Formal Introduction (2018) and I-language: An Introduction to Linguistics as Cognitive Science (2013), are widely used in academic settings. He teaches advanced courses like Language and Mind: The Chomskyan Program , integrating topics like universal grammar, phonology, and cognitive linguistics. His research spans phonological universals, feature geometry, and the interfaces between phonology and other linguistic modules. Recent work critiques large language models and defends Chomskyan generativism while exploring computational and cognitive aspects of phonological representation. Reiss has edited volumes such as Ha! Linguistic Studies in Honor of Mark R. Hale (2022) and contributed to foundational texts like The Phonological Enterprise (2008). His work bridges formal analysis and empirical research, prioritizing theoretical clarity and cross-disciplinary relevance in cognitive science.
Dr. Bill Anderson is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Classics at Concordia University of Edmonton. He holds a PhD from the University of Glasgow (1997) and specializes in postmodern philosophy, biblical exegesis, wisdom literature, ancient Near Eastern studies, archaeology, and pop culture. His research bridges ancient texts with contemporary cultural phenomena, exploring themes like religious pluralism, skepticism, and intertextuality. Anderson teaches courses such as Pop Culture, Philosophy and Religion and Dead Sea Scrolls . He has held visiting professorships at the University of Liebenzell (Germany, 2021), University of Porto (Portugal, 2019), and University of Pisa (Italy, 2018). His publications include edited volumes like Anime, Philosophy and Religion (2023) and authored works on Ecclesiastes and ancient Near Eastern religions. His research trends emphasize interdisciplinary analysis of biblical texts through archaeological findings, comparative cultural studies, and modern media interpretation. Recent work examines pop culture’s reflection of existential themes (e.g., zombie narratives) and theological engagement with pluralistic societies. He actively contributes to academic dialogues on interfaith relations and postmodern theological frameworks. Anderson’s advising and grant activities are not explicitly detailed, though his extensive publication record suggests sustained research engagement. His academic contributions are centered at Concordia University of Edmonton, with international collaboration through visiting roles and global research networks.
John Leonard is a Professor in the Department of English and Writing Studies at Western University. He holds a BA from Trinity College, Cambridge (1980), an MA from McMaster University (1981), and a PhD from Trinity College, Cambridge (1986). His research focuses on John Milton’s poetry, including editing Paradise Lost for Penguin Classics and authoring Faithful Labourers , a two-volume reception history of Paradise Lost . He teaches across literary periods, emphasizing Renaissance/early modern literature and introductory courses for undergraduates. Leonard’s work integrates close textual analysis with historical and cultural contexts. His publications span Milton’s poetics, reception history, and interdisciplinary topics like disability studies in literature. He maintains an active research agenda, with recent contributions to debates on embodiment, linguistic ambiguity in Paradise Lost , and the intersection of NLP systems with literary analysis. Office: University College 3423 | Contact: 519-661-2111 ext. 85809 | Email: jleonard@uwo.ca
Kate Stanley is an Associate Professor in the Department of English and Writing Studies at Western University . She earned her PhD from Columbia University (2013) , MA from University of British Columbia (2004) , and BA Hons from Queen's University (2002) . Her academic work bridges American literature , pragmatist philosophy , and aesthetic education , with a particular focus on modernist writers and their engagement with philosophical surprise . She is currently leading a SSHRC-funded project on pragmatist pedagogical methods for climate crisis contexts . Research Interests : Pragmatism and pedagogy American modernism Aesthetic experience in humanities education Climate crisis and literary form Interdisciplinary methodologies William James's influence Recent Awards : 2025-26 Graham and Gale Wright Distinguished Scholar SSHRC Insight Grant (2025-30) for "Pragmatist Practices of Aesthetic Education in the Context of Climate Change" SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2018-21) for "Varieties of American Pedagogy"
Juana M. Liceras is a Full Professor at the University of Ottawa , affiliated with the Faculty of Arts in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures , with a cross-appointment to the Department of Linguistics . Her research spans Language Acquisition , Bilingualism , and Linguistic Theory , focusing on Syntax , Morphology , and Contrastive Grammar . Education Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics, University of Toronto (1983) M.A. in Applied Linguistics, University of Wisconsin at Madison (1977) Licenciatura in Filosofía y Letras, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (1974) Her research explores psycholinguistic and applied linguistics problems, particularly in bilingual contexts. She has contributed to theories on interlinguistic influence and multiple grammars in second language acquisition. Her work bridges theoretical linguistics with pedagogical practice . Selected Awards Distinguished Professor, University of Ottawa As a research advisor, Liceras supervises graduate students in projects related to Spanish linguistics and language acquisition . She teaches courses such as ESP5963: Descriptive and Pedagogical Grammar of Spanish and ESP4933: English-Spanish Contrastive Grammar .
Natacha Trudeau is a Full Professor at the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Montreal. Her research focuses on language acquisition, bilingualism in children with developmental disabilities, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and feeding-swallowing disorders. Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences (Speech Therapy specialization) Master's and Bachelor's in Speech Therapy, all from the University of Montreal Her research themes include: Language assessment and intervention for children with disabilities Development of clinical tools for pragmatic skills and inferencing Impact of bilingualism on communication disorders Graphic symbol use in AAC systems Feeding-swallowing difficulties in children with language impairments Recent publications highlight trends in: Evaluating syntactic development in French-speaking children Word-finding behaviors and narrative skills Interactive reading interventions for preschoolers Neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital heart disease
Sigwan Thivierge is an Anishinaabekwe (Algonquin) scholar from Long Point First Nation and an Assistant Professor at Concordia University with joint appointments in the School of Community and Public Affairs (Department of First Peoples Studies) and the Department of Linguistics, Classics, Modern Languages and Linguistics. She serves as a thesis supervisor for the Individualized Program (MA, MSc) and is currently accepting student inquiries. Research Focus: Her work bridges theoretical linguistics and community-led language reclamation, with emphasis on: Syntax and semantics of Algonquian languages (particularly Nishnaabemwin) Indigenous language revitalization methodologies Non-Indo-European language structures (especially Georgian) Formal analysis of agreement systems and morphosyntax Teaching Portfolio (2022–present): FPST 211: Introduction to Algonquian Peoples FPST 310: Linguistic Introduction to Algonquian Languages LING 315: Introduction to Syntax LING 371: Introduction to Semantics LING 421: Non-Indo-European Structures Publication Trends: Her scholarly output (2016–2024) demonstrates consistent focus on syntactic theory through comparative analysis of Nishnaabemwin and Georgian. Key themes include agreement systems, inverse marking, indexical shift operators, and the syntax-morphology interface, contributing significantly to formal linguistic frameworks for non-Indo-European languages.
