Jinny K Choi

Dr. Jinny K Choi is an Associate Professor of Spanish and Spanish Linguistics at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where she has served since 1998. She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics from Georgetown University (1998) and an M.A. in Hispanic Linguistics from the University of California, Irvine (1992). Her research focuses on sociolinguistics, bi/multilingualism, language and identity, Spanish dialectology, and language contact in transnational communities. She has held leadership roles including Spanish Section Head (2008-2011) and currently teaches advanced Spanish courses and linguistics.

Education:

• Ph.D., Spanish Linguistics (Georgetown University, 1998)
• M.A., Hispanic Linguistics (University of California, Irvine, 1992)
• B.A., Spanish (University of Texas at Arlington, 1989)

Research Interests:

• Examines sociolinguistic dynamics in South America and the U.S., particularly among Korean communities in Paraguay and Argentina.
• Focuses on language contact phenomena, bilingual education policies, and the relationship between language and ethnic identity.
• Explores historical and sociolinguistic aspects of Spanish in Paraguay, including Guarani-Spanish bilingualism.

Recent Publications Trends:

• Recent work emphasizes transnational migration patterns and their linguistic implications.
• Focus on Korean diaspora communities in Latin America, analyzing multilingualism and identity formation.

Awards:

• 2023 College of Liberal Arts Research Award
• 2020 Mellon Mini-Grant for heritage language curriculum development
• Multiple UTA research grants supporting international projects

Advising & Grants:

• Guided over 50 graduate students in linguistics and Spanish studies.
• Secured $100K+ in grants for OER development and transnational research.

Labs & Collaborations:

• Co-leads UTA's Spanish Linguistics research initiatives.
• Collaborates with institutions in South America on bilingualism studies.