Research
What I do
My research focuses on the use of modal verbs in learners’ academic writings using a corpus-based method. There has been substantial research undertaken on the frequency distribution of modal verbs used by Chinese EFL learners. However, little attention has been given to the semantic distribution of these modal verbs and their verb collocates in Chinese learner writing. This study seeks to add to the current understanding of learner use of modality in these two aspects with the help of corpora and semantic vector space models and, in addition, identify potential disciplinary variations. This study aims to expand our understanding of how Chinese learners use modality, providing implications for language teaching.
Academic Experience
• Teaching and Language Corpora Conference, 2022. Presenter
• Learning Corpus Research Conference, 2022. Presenter
• Journal of the Undergraduate Linguistics Association of Britain, 2021. External Reviewer
• Birmingham English Language Postgraduate Conference (Virtual), University of Birmingham, UK, 2021.
Chair
• Learner Corpus Association, 2021. Membership
• British Association of Applied Linguistics, 2020. Membership
Qualification
• Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy
• Teacher Knowledge Test Qualification in Module 1-3, Content and Language Integrated Learning and
Young Learner
• National English Teacher Qualification Certificate (High-School Level)
• National Mandarin Certificate
• Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification
• National Preschool Teacher Qualification Certificate