معرفی
Rika Ito is a Professor of Asian Studies and Director of Applied Linguistics at St. Olaf College. She holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Michigan State University. Her research focuses on sociolinguistics, examining language variation through socio-cultural, historical, and political lenses. She analyzes how language ideologies are reflected in popular media like anime and TV dramas, particularly addressing issues of power dynamics, standard language dominance, and stereotypes.
Her recent work explores Ainu language representation in the anime Golden Kamuy, employing raciolinguistic frameworks and intersectionality to critique colonial narratives. Collaborating with Prof. Christina Spiker, she examines contemporary Ainu issues through museum studies and co-authored manuscripts. She serves on the editorial board of Language & Communication and gave a notable Melby Lecture in 2023.
Her teaching spans Japanese language, Asian Studies, and linguistics courses. Office hours are held Mondays 10:40-11:40 AM, Wednesdays 2-2:40 PM, and Thursdays 1-2 PM via link.
