My initial attraction to the field of linguistics stemmed from my interest in second language acquisition and rediscovering my cultural identity as an Asian American adoptee. Having reached competency in Mandarin in my late twenties, I was curious about the processes
behind my own acquisition in comparison to other learners’. As I progressed further into Portland State University’s undergraduate program of Applied Linguistics, I became aware of the dichotomy between markedness and privilege in the realm of multilingualism. Understanding that power dynamics influence the narratives and perspectives of language speakers shifted mycuriosity further into the realm of critical discourse analysis.
PSU’s Applied Linguistics program instilled within me an awareness of the influence of hegemony over language practices. An important figure of research in my undergraduate studies was Peter Teo and his article Racism in the News: A Critical Discourse Analysis of News
Reporting in Two Australian Newspapers (2000), which exemplified the application of linguistic frameworks towards addressing both explicit and subtle racism against Asians in Australian printed news media. Teo’s use of linguistic frameworks to challenge racism has influenced my goal to help unpack and shift the mainstream narratives that have objectified and endangered Asian Americans. CDA helped me realize applied linguistics can solve problems and work towards a progressive outcome through cross-disciplinary measures both within and beyond the scope of linguistics.
As an undergraduate student and now as an MA student I have had the opportunity to contribute to several research projects within PSU’s Department of Applied Linguistics. Having been able to acquire research experience within the field of Applied Linguistics has continued to
fuel my passion for applying my knowledge to critical linguistic issues.
I am very grateful to be able to receive the Nattinger Fellowship. This fellowship will allow me to contribute to the field of Applied Linguistics with my research and critical analyses of anti-Asian discourse in American news media in hopes of creating more awareness and change through research. Within the last three two years, 2020-2022 there has been an unprecedented spike in anti-Asian hate crimes. Such crimes have been rooted in language and power. Therefore, it’s imperative that such an under-researched and “novel” issue is critically analyzed.