Research Projects

This project investigates the syntactic structures of Ayta Magbukun, an endangered Negrito language spoken in the Philippines. By documenting and analyzing sentence patterns, word order, and grammatical constructions, the project aims to contribute to the linguistic description of this under-documented language and support community efforts in language preservation.

Focus: morphology; syntax; Philippine voice system

This project explores the acquisition of Ayta Magbukun among young speakers to assess the intergenerational transmission and resilience of the language. Focusing on children’s daily interactions with their primary caregivers, peers, siblings, and other language users in the community, the project analyzes both the quantity and quality of linguistic input as well as children’s productive use of the language. The findings aim to contribute to our understanding of language development in under-documented and endangered language contexts, with broader implications for language preservation and revitalization.

Focus: child speech; language acquisition; intergenerational transmission

This project examines the use of the English-derived particle so in Tagalog conversation, focusing on its interactional functions in turn-initial position. Using the framework of interactional linguistics, it investigates how so is used to initiate actions such as questions, requests, or offers, and how it compares to indigenous Tagalog particles like kaya, ayun, o, edi, or tapos. Drawing initially on naturally occurring data (a public talk show on YouTube), the project explores whether so is undergoing grammaticalization as a local discourse particle, contributing to broader discussions on contact-induced change and the dynamics of bilingual interaction.

Focus: interactional linguistics, conversational analysis, discourse particles
*I’m very grateful to Prof. Gabriele Kasper for introducing me to interactional linguistics.

This project uses generative AI to create culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate picture books for under-resourced communities. It begins with four illustrated books for Palauan preschoolers—one in Palauan and three bilingual (Palauan-English)—developed in collaboration with a native Palauan speaker using AI tools like Midjourney and Canva. Building on this foundation, the project will expand to include Ayta Magbukun, supporting early literacy through accessible, high-quality materials in both languages. Ultimately, it offers a model for bridging gaps in children’s literature for marginalized language communities.

Focus: AI; picture books; pedagogical materials; language revitalization

My psycholinguistics/SLA project is still in the idea stage—slowly simmering... 🍳

This project will fulfill the scholarly paper requirement for my Advanced Graduate Certificate in SLS.