Katharina Froedrich

Katharina Froedrich is a Doctor of Philosophy candidate and Research Assistant at The University of Western Australia's School of Social Sciences, specializing in sociolinguistics with a focus on Aboriginal English in the Pilbara region. As a Forrest Research Foundation scholar, she employs participatory research methodologies to challenge power dynamics in academic-community relationships while examining Indigenous language repertoires.

Her research interests span sociolinguistics, language contact studies, and decolonial methodologies, with particular emphasis on:

• Aboriginal English and Kriol language variation
• Code-switching and style-shifting in multilingual communities
• Decolonizing linguistic curricula through community engagement
• Developing inclusive AI technologies for First Nations communities

Her work integrates linguistic analysis with social justice imperatives, focusing on culturally safe research practices.

Froedrich has received significant recognition including:

• Forrest Research Foundation Scholarship (2024-2028)
• UWA International Fee Scholarship (2024-2028)
• Australian Government RTP Stipend (2024-2028)
• Anglumni Book Grant (2021)

Her publications demonstrate expertise in Australian English pragmatics and decolonial curriculum development, with emerging research on AI inclusivity. As a Language Lab member, she actively collaborates with Indigenous communities through the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation, while serving on the GRS HDR Student Consultative Committee. Her teaching portfolio includes CELTA-certified English instruction and linguistics tutorials developed during her Master's at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.