UBC Language Sciences Institute (LangSci) recently welcomed Professor Joanna E. Cannon, also Coordinator of the Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing concentration in the Special Education graduate program at UBC, as interim Co-Director while Dr. Guofang Li is on leave. She will oversee LangSci's research, initiatives, and strategies along with interim Co-Director Dr. Carla Hudson Kam.
Dr. Joanna Cannon shares her perspective and vision for LangSci in this Q&A.
How did you first become involved with Language Sciences?
My former colleague, Dr. Janet Jamieson (now retired) introduced me to Language Sciences and asked if I wanted to become a member. I joined and one of my first interactions was at a presentation by Nigel Howard on the linguistics of American Sign Language. This was followed by years of wonderful presentations, graduate student, and post-doc opportunities. I referred my students to these over the years, as we are all focused on how to support language acquisition for those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing and/or have disabilities. Language Sciences is one of the only venues that allows me to interact with others across campus with similar language-related research interests, as I'm in a very low-incidence field (Deaf Education). I'm so pleased to support Language Sciences this year and look forward to continuing involvement for many years to come.
What goals do you have for your time with Language Sciences?
My goal is to support Language Sciences in continuing to provide opportunities for everyone across campus to come together with a shared topic focused on differing aspects of language. By recommending a diverse variety of presenters I hope to continue the tradition of Language Sciences, and also creatively design other opportunities that might support sustainability. I also hope to assist in developing funding avenues that will also provide a foundation for Language Sciences to continue in its' role for years to come.
What unique perspectives do you bring to Language Sciences?
As a special educator and parent of a son with multiple disabilities I believe I bring a unique perspective on language acquisition across multiple modalities (i.e., sign language) and disabilities (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities). This educational lens focuses on research to practice and how we can use knowledge mobilization to touch the lives of students and teachers in classrooms. What practical elements can be highlighted in any and all language-based research and disciplines? How can Universal Design for Learning be utilized not only in planning instruction, but also in research methods focused on language that are inclusionary and accessible? Are we following 'nothing about us, without us' in our language-related research, especially those from historically systemically marginalized populations and those who utilize a language other than English? These are some of the questions I grapple with in my field and that I believe will influence my role as Interim Co-Director.
If you have any thoughts to share with LangSci or our interim Co-Directors, please feel free to reach out to us at language.sciences@ubc.ca!