Feng Xiao

Assistant Professor of Asian Languages and Literatures; On leave for the 2018-2019 academic year

feng.xiao@pomona.edu

Office:

Mason Hall

203

(909) 621-8621

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Expertise

I am in the field of applied linguistics with a focus on second language acquisition. I am also involved in projects of digital humanities and longitudinal data analysis. My recent projects include studies on second language development, digital learning, and Chinese rare book cataloging.

Areas of Expertise

Pragmatics
Second Language Acquisition
Chinese Linguistics
Data Analysis

Research Interests

My primary research interests are pragmatics and second language acquisition. For example, I examine the difference in semantics of “What do you mean by saying X?” as opposed to “What does X mean? I am also interested in cross-linguistic and cross-cultural differences that affect human thinking – such as the use of vague expressions in responses to personal questions in China.

Work

Xiao, F., Taguchi, N., & Li, S. (2018). Effects of proficiency subskills on pragmatic development in L2 Chinese study abroad. Studies in Second Language Acquisition. First View.

Xiao, F. (2018). Advanced-level pragmatics in instructed SLA. In P. A. Malovrh & A. G. Benati (Eds.), The handbook of advanced proficiency in second language acquisition (pp.461-482). Hoboken: Wiley & Sons.

Xiao, F. (2017). Development in the use of Chinese mitigation in interaction. Chinese as a Second Language Research, 6(1), 39-71.

Taguchi, N., Xiao, F. & Li, S. (2016). Effects of Intercultural Competence and Social Contact on Speech Act Production in a Chinese Study Abroad Context. The Modern Language Journal, 100(4), 775-796.

Taguchi, N., Xiao, F. & Li, S. (2016). Assessment of study abroad outcomes in Chinese as a second language: Gains in cross-cultural adaptability, language contact, and proficiency. Intercultural Education, 27(6), 600-614.

Xiao, F. (2015). Proficiency effect on L2 pragmatic competence. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 5(4), 557-581.

Xiao, F. (2015). Adult second language learners’ pragmatic development in the study-abroad context: A review. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 25, 132-149.

Ke, S. & Xiao, F. (2015). Cross-linguistic transfer of morphological awareness between Chinese and English. Language Awareness, 24(4), 355-380.

Liu, Y. & Xiao, F. (2015). Comprehension of Chinese vague expressions: A comparison between heritage and non-heritage learners. Chinese as a Second Language Research, 4(2), 271-294.

Education

Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University

B.A., M.Ed., Beijing Language and Culture University

Recent Courses Taught

Intermediate Chinese I
Intermediate Chinese II
Advanced Chinese I
Advanced Chinese II
Digital News Reading in Chinese
Chinese Language in Society

Awards & Honors

Andrew W. Mellon Grant for Digital Humanities, 2016-2019.

Hahn Fund for Innovative Teaching with Technology, 2016-2017.

Language Learning Dissertation Grant, 2015.

Modern Languages Department Dissertation Completion Scholarship, Carnegie Mellon University, 2014-2015.

Barbara F. Freed Award for Research on Language Learning in a Study Abroad Context, 2014-2015.