Ryuko Kubota

Ryuko Kubota is a Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Education, since 2009. Her research spans critical applied linguistics, race and language education, and decolonial pedagogies. She has contributed extensively to understanding language ideologies, multicultural education, and critical literacies.

• Education:
  • BA in English Linguistics, Rikkyo University (1980)
  • MAT in TESOL, School for International Training (1987)
  • PhD in Education, OISE/University of Toronto (1992)

Her research interests focus on the intersection of race, language policies, and critical pedagogies. She examines neoliberal paradoxes in language learning, translingual practices, and antiracist engagement in global contexts. Her work addresses systemic inequities in English language education and immersion programs.

Recent publications highlight critical approaches to World Englishes, AI-assisted writing, and raciolinguistic hegemony. These studies span interdisciplinary sub-fields including critical race theory, decolonial education, and language teacher identity.

Scientific awards include the DSSA Award 2020. She supervises graduate students like Charu Gupta (PhD) and collaborates with institutions such as the Language Sciences Institute at UBC. Her teaching includes courses on critical multicultural education and language politics.