• How do languages differ in sounds (phonology), meanings (semantics), words (morphology), sentences (syntax), communication conventions (pragmatics), and writing systems (orthography)?

• How do these differences affect the way we think and the way we process, learn, and use languages?

• What are the challenges and opportunities these linguistic differences pose for monolingual, bilingual, and multilingual learners?

These are the questions that the Cross-Linguistic Literacy and Cognition (CLIC) Research Group is interested in! The overall goal of our research includes:

• Investigating the complex interface between language, literacy, and cognition through the multi-disciplinary lens of social science; and

• Exploring how parents and teachers, as well as technology, can best support the literacy development of learners of diverse linguistic backgrounds.

We have investigated how the development of different aspects of linguistic and literacy skills varies across learners of diverse language backgrounds, including speakers and learners of Chinese, English, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Utilizing both experimental and naturalistic methods, our research aims to advance theories of cross-linguistic literacy development and to produce findings with practical implications for learners, parents, educators, and policymakers.

Are you curious about cross-linguistic literacy and cognition research?

We are currently recruiting undergraduate and graduate student researchers! If you’d like to join CLIC, please contact us!