I am a scholar of French and sociolinguistics with a focus on minoritized languages and linguistic diversity in the Francophone world. I am currently completing my PhD in French Linguistics and Global Studies at Indiana University. As a Future Faculty Teaching Fellow at Butler University, I am committed to helping students engage critically with the richness and complexity of the global Francophonie.

 

Recognizing multilingualism in the Francophonie

 

French is never the sole language in francophone countries. My research explores how linguistic diversity within the French-speaking world intersects with questions of identity, authenticity, and language policy. My dissertation, Agency in language revitalization: Actions and ideologies contributing to standardization processes in Picard, investigates how speakers of a minoritized language in France and Belgium navigate pressures to standardize their language. Whether standardization occurs for political or revitalization purposes, these pressures highlight how linguistic minorities in francophone contexts are encouraged to imitate the (perceived) homogeneity of the French language.

 

Promoting Global Frenches

 

Recognizing that French is far from homogenous, my teaching emphasizes the linguistic and cultural diversity that exists across the Francophonie. I design courses that highlight multiple varieties of French and encourage students to think critically about how language reflects history, power, and identity. Whether through units on regional varieties of French, activities centered on authentic materials from across the Francophonie, or discussions about language ideologies, I prepare students to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the many communities that make up the French-speaking world.

 

Expanding access to language study

 

Outside the classroom, I work to expand access to language study, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. I organize campus events that showcase perspectives from diverse Francophone regions, such as a regional languages showcase and a film festival on French in the Middle East and North Africa. In addition, as a member of the First Generation Access and Equity Committee of the Linguistic Society of America, I advocate for greater inclusion in linguistics for first-generation college students. Finally, I support undergraduate research through my role as a reviewer for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and by preparing students to present their work at the conference. My goal is to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where students feel supported in exploring language and linguistics.

 

Through my work, I aim to foster awareness of the plural nature of the French language and the communities that speak it. Please feel free to read more about my research, teaching, and service and contact me with any questions.