Nathaniel Sims

Nathaniel Sims is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Oregon’s College of Arts and Sciences. His work focuses on Trans-Himalayan languages, particularly Rma (Qiang) in Sichuan, China, with a focus on language documentation and revitalization, phonology, and historical linguistics. Since 2006, he has collaborated with native Rma speakers to develop linguistic archives and comparative frameworks.

Education

• Ph.D., 2021, University of California, Santa Barbara
• M.A., 2017, University of California, Santa Barbara
• B.A., 2014, Indiana University, Bloomington

Research Themes

Sims’ publications explore phonological change (tone, vowel harmony), morphological complexity (direct-inverse systems, directional verbs), and methodological innovations in comparative linguistics. Recent work in 2023-2025 addresses diachronic vowel patterns and labialized onsets in Rma, while earlier studies (2016-2020) established foundational descriptions of Yonghe Qiang dialects.

Collaborative Impact

He contributes to Tibeto-Burman language typology through co-authored studies on associated motion and interlinear glossed text standards. His work bridges field linguistics and historical reconstruction, emphasizing the role of minoritized languages in theoretical linguistics.