Rias van den Doel

Rias van den Doel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Languages, Literature and Communication within the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University. Specializing in English language studies, van den Doel focuses on World Englishes, English-medium instruction (EMI), and the specific linguistic characteristics of English as used by Dutch speakers, with particular emphasis on pronunciation.

Her research interests span several interconnected domains in applied linguistics and sociolinguistics. She investigates how English functions as a medium of instruction in higher education, examining the effects of 'Englishization' on learning environments and outcomes. Her work on World Englishes explores the development of European English standards and the linguistic practices of non-native speakers, particularly Dutch and French users of English. A significant portion of her research addresses pronunciation issues, including speech perception, accent evaluation, and pronunciation training methodologies.

Analysis of van den Doel's publication record reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of language policy, education, and linguistic variation. Her work demonstrates particular interest in how English functions in non-anglophone contexts, especially in the Netherlands and Europe more broadly. She has made significant contributions to understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by English-medium instruction in higher education, as well as the sociolinguistic dynamics of non-native English varieties.

Van den Doel has been actively involved in research projects examining the effects of English as the language of instruction in higher education, resulting in comprehensive reports and scholarly publications that address learning environments, processes, and outcomes. Her collaborative work with colleagues like René de Graaff and others demonstrates her engagement with practical educational challenges related to language policy implementation.

Her academic contributions include significant book publications such as 'Pronunciation Matters: Accents of English in the Netherlands and elsewhere' (2014), which she co-edited, reflecting her expertise in phonetic and phonological aspects of English language learning and teaching. Her research has appeared in prominent journals including English World-Wide, International Journal of the Sociology of Language, and China Language Strategies.